Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association, getting better and deadlier each game, blew Zaap of Thailand to bits, 76-46, and advanced to the 65-and-above final of the ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament Friday at Indoor Stadium 2 of Chiang Mai Sports Complex in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
With almost everybody contributing a little of everything, the Fil-Chinese seniors practically settled the outcome of the game after only two quarters as they zoomed to a commanding 44-20 lead.
Seven FCVBA players scored six points or more with former Crispa player Joel Gomez tallying 10 of his 18 points right in the opening period that saw them take a 22-11 advantage.
Ex-Philippine team star Benjie Poblete, who topscored in the team’s first two wins, was held to just seven points but his cold shooting failed to dampen FCVBA’s spirit as it led as many as 34 points late in the third.
“Everything went on smoothly as we rotated the ball quite well,” said Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que, who along with Ironcon Builders owner Jimi Lim contributed 12 points each.
FCVBA, which also got eight points each from ex-MICAA player Zotico Tan and Achit Kaw, faces defending champion Hatyai in the one-game face-off on Saturday.
Like the Fil-Chinese seniors, the Thais encountered nary a trouble in dispatching Sarawak of Malaysia, 54-28.
Ex-Letran player William Lao and Andrew Ongteco also did well on both ends, combining for 12 points and eight boards in what could be team’s most explosive game so far.
FCVBA is itching to regain the title after its Grand Slam bid last year was ruined by the Malaysians in the semis.