FCVBA cagers rule ASEAN tilt

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) completed its romp in the 24th ASEAN Seniors basketball tournament, ruling all three age divisions, including two via sweep, at the MBKS Stadium in Kuching, Malaysia over the weekend.

Crowd-favorite Zotico Tan, 70, completed a steal in the third period then came through with clutch plays to help power the 60-years squad to the championship via a 44-37 win over Meteor-Pontianak of Indonesia.

The victory was doubly sweet for the Eduard Tio-mentored 60s squad which did not only end a two-year title spell but reclaimed the crown by completing a four-game sweep of its division in the tournament.

It was also Tio’s first title in the event which drew 22 teams, including eight each in the 40s and 50s sides.

Tan, a former MICAA player from Cebu and ex-University of the East star Julio Cruz shared scoring honors with 12 points each while Kenneth Yap and Israel Catacutan combined for 15 points for the team sponsored by Rain or Shine’s co-team owner Terry Que, Ironcon Builders big boss Jimi Lim and Freego.

The 40s, led by Benny Cheng, Jean Alabanza, Estong Ballesteros, Jack Santiago, Joseph Realista, Louie Kaw and Lorencio Lim, also swept its category by winning all their five games capped by an 86-67 drubbing of Hornbill of host city.