Caidic, Duremdes tow FCVBA vs Thais

MANILA, Philippines – Allan Caidic and Kenneth Duremdes showed flashes of brilliance while Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr. delivered significant numbers to help lead Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) to a perfect start in the 25th ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament Monday at the Chiang Kai Shek College Gym.

Still deadly and agile at 42, Duremdes scattered 15 points as FCVBA demolished Zaap of Thailand, 107-72, in the 40-above division of the annual tournament.

Four other FCVBA players scored in double figures with Arnel Syyap adding 14 while Jack Santiago, Louie Kaw and Benny Cheng combining for 35 points as the team posted the day’s biggest winning margin.

Though surrounded by former PBA stars, Tan still made several highlight moves as he finished with nine points and five rebounds in the team’s 77-49 rout of Zaap in the 50-above division of the event sponsored by Ironcon Builders, Freego Jeans, Philippine Airlines and Rain or Shine.

The team’s 65-above squad likewise hurdled its first assignment by repulsing Kuala Lumpur, 43-40, yesterday, through the efforts of Zotico Tan, William Lao, Bong dela Cruz, Terry Que, Jimi Lim and Peter Ley.

With dela Cruz, Que and Tan at the helm, FCVBA slowly pulled away, posting a 15-point lead midway in the third before weathering off Kuala Lumpur’s determined comeback as the local squad made it 4-of-4.