Fil-Chinese veterans show no rust in ASEAN victory

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) topped the 60-years-and-above division to complete a three-category sweep in the 20th ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament at the Singapore Basketball Centre in Singapore over the weekend.

Drawing big games from PBA great Lim Eng Beng, Zotico Tan, Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que and Jimi Lim, FCVBA regained its title in the 60-above class by beating host Sun City, 40-34.

Lim, a top gunner during his La Salle days in the NCAA and U-Tex in the PBA, led FCVBA with 10 points while Tan, Que and Jimi Lim combined for 17 points as the Jake de Guia-mentored seniors team atoned for their failed title bid last year in Seremban, Malaysia. 

The Phl 40-years-old squad, led by former Alaska star Bong Hawkins, Achit Kaw, John Cardel, Joey Sta. Maria and Bong Tan, also held off the hosts to pull off an 83-79 victory.

FCVBA capped its romp by winning the centerpiece 50-years-and-above division via a 66-51 win over Sun City.

Former PBA standout Elmer Reyes, Gabby Velasco, Kenneth Yap, Rudy Yu, Julio Cruz and Edward Tio starred for the team’s victory with Reyes finishing with 20 points. Velasco and Tio chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively. 

This marked the second time that FCVBA swept the three divisions in the annual event – the first having been two years ago when it hosted the tournament in Marikina.