FCVBA cagers win

HAT YAI, Thailand — FilipinoChinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) made perfect start to its bid for a “golden double” as its 60-and-above and 65-and above teams downed their rivals in the 27th ASEAN Basketball Veterans Tournament Monday at the Prince of Songkla University gym here.

Drawing inspired games from former PBA players Elmer Reyes and Kenneth Yap, the 60s launched their drive for a four-peat with a 60-40 drubbing Indonesia’s ASABA.

Not to be outdone, the 65s rode on a stellar performance from 72- year-old Zotico Tan to hand Bangkok a 42-31 beating in a performance that underscored their desire for a threepeat in the annual tournament.

Showing flashes of brilliance, Reyes touched off FCVBA’s decisive second quarter breakaway with a booming triple and a completed threepoint play that saw them outscore the already huffing and puffing Indons, 22-11, for a 36-23 halftime advantage.

The Indons were never the same again after that onslaught as the 60s almost doubled their lead early in the payoff period through the efforts of Aries Franco, Danny Ching, Danny Co and Elmer Latonio.

But it was Tan who shone brightest for the PH side.

The wiry Cebuano led all scorers for the team bankrolled by Ironcon Builders’ Jimi Lim, Rain or Shine’s Terry Que and Freego’s Eduard Tio with 16 points as he awed the Thais with his quickness and remarkable medium range jumpers.

Also delivering a little of everything for the 65s were former Crispa guard Bong dela Cruz, James Chua, Conrad Siy, Achit Kaw, Lim and Que.

Up next for the 65s is Miri of Malaysia on Wednesday with the FCVBA going for a sweep of its Group A elims.

The 60s hope to secure a playoff for a semis berth when it battles Hat YaI-b on Tuesday.