RP ASEAN fives in semis

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines continued to dominate the 18th Asean Veterans Basketball League-BF Cup as it swept the elimination round in two divisions even as Bong Tan sizzled with a record 11 triples for FCVBA A (Filipino Chinese Veterans Basketball League) at the Marist Basketball gym in Marikina last Wednesday.

With Ed Badion and Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que at the firing end, the Filipino Chinese Veterans Basketball League (FCVBA) waylaid Singapore, 53-29, to complete a two-game sweep of Group B elims in the 60-years-and-above division.

Que and Badion combined for 20 points as FCVBA set up a semis showdown with defending champion Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur finished with a 1-1 record in Group A after losing to Philippine Chinese Friendship Basketball League (PCFBL), 39-41.

FCVBA, drawing 16 points from Eduard Tio, also cruised to the Final Four of the 50-years-and-above category by downing Miri of Malaysia, 64-50.

Former PBA stars Freddie Hubalde, Elmer Reyes and Noli Banate and Jimi Lim backed Tio with solid games as FCVBA completed a three-game sweep of Group A.

“We’re on the right track, we hope we can complete a grand slam,” said Johnny Chua of the organizing FCVBA. “We also have good chance of winning the 40 years division title.”

Tan exploded for 33 points in the second half - all from the three-point zone - to help power FCVBA A to a 92-62 rout over Kuala Lumpur in the 40 years division in the event backed by MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando and Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando.

The 11 triples by the streak-shooting Tan are the most by any player in the league so far. Alvin Teng, the former San Miguel Beer bruiser, chipped in 18 points while Jerry Ong added 15 markers.

Miri of Malaysia stunned the Vergel Meneses-led FCVBA B, 57-52, also in 40-years category. The Malaysians made eight triples, including five in the first quarter.