MANILA,Philippines — The Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) reclaimed its 65-and-above crown in dramatic fashion Saturday, fashioning out a 54-50 come-from-behind win over the host team in the ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament at Indoor Stadium 3 of Chiang Mai Sports Complex in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Given up for dead after falling behind by nine points midway in the payoff period, the Fil-Chinese seniors came through with a mighty 16-3 finish to pull off the most enthralling title win in the cagefest.
Former PBA player Benjie Poblete, guard Andrew Ongteco and seldom-used Antonio Go produced one big play as FCVBA completed a four-game sweep. Poblete clinched FCVBA’s remarkable comeback with a go-ahead basket before the team watched a Thai player miss an open three-point attempt.
FCVBA godfathers – Jimi Lim of Ironcon Builders and Terry Que of Rain or Shine – and coaches Elmer Reyes and Jerry Gonzales heaved a sigh of relief when Bong dela Cruz secured the rebound and made a perfect pass to the streaking Zotico Tan for the insurance basket.
“What a win it was, dumaan kami sa butas ng karayom,” said Que.