FCVBA sweeps ASEAN cagefest

MANILA, Philippines - Newly organized Filipino Chinese Veterans Basketball League (FCVBA) completed a mighty sweep of the 18th ASEAN Veterans Basketball Invitational-BF Cup by winning three division championships Friday at the Marist basketball gym in Marikina City.

FCVBA highlighted its grand slam feat by winning the premier 50 years old and above division at the expense of last year’s champion the Philippine Chinese Friendship Basketball League (PCFBL), 46-38, in the event supported by MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando and Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando.

Former PBA stars Elmer Reyes, Ed Cordero and Leo Austria came through with clutch plays in the last two minutes as FCVBA, managed by Jimi Lim, finally took the sting out of the resilient PCFBL squad in the five-nation tournament.

The win enabled FCVBA, which also got a huge help from Eduard Tio, to complete a five-game sweep in the eight-team division.

It was a breeze for FCVBA in the 60 years category as it won the title by forfeiture at the expense of PCFBL.

Backstopped by PBA legend Lim Eng Beng, MICAA veteran Zotico Tan, Eddie Badion and Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que, FCVBA won all its four matches, including a thrilling 36-32 win over deposed champion Kuala Lumpur in the semis last Thursday.

FCVBA A, behind the powerful inside plays of former San Miguel bruiser Alvin Teng, and the red-hot shooting of Bong Tan Jr. and Arnel Syyap, also lorded over the 40 years division as it trounced FCVBA B, 88-67.

Teng led all scorers with 39 points, including four triples, while Achit Kaw paced FCVBA B with 33 markers. Former PBA MVP winners Atoy Co and Vergel Meneses begged off   due to prior commitments.

The annual tournament was organized by FCBVA through Bong Tan, Jr., Johnny Chua, Alfonso “Achit” Kaw, Jimi Lim, Eduard Tio and Terry Que.