KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Allan Caidic put on a virtual shooting clinic as the 50s of the Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association dumped Asaba of Indonesia, 74-52, even as 65s advanced to the final with nary a problem in the 26th ASEAN Basketball Tournament yesterday at the MABA gym here.
Showing the touch that made him a one-time PBA MVP winner, Caidic, 54, buried six triples—five in the first half—on the way to finishing with a game-high 25 points.
Caidic was ably supported by ex-Letran star Jerry Gonzales, Gerry Tee, Joey Sta. Maria, Benet Palad and Bong Tan as the 50s notched their third straight win in as many outings.
Not to be outdone, the 65s leaned on a big third quarter assault to dump Club 51 of the host city, 54-44, and complete a two-game sweep of their group elims —thanks to the solid efforts of Achit Kaw, Johnny Chua, Bong dela Cruz, Johnson Lao, Zotico Tan and Jimi Lim.
A sweet jumper by Lim gave the 65 their biggest lead at 48-25 before the Malaysians rallied.
Backed by Rain or Shine, Freego and Ironcon Builders, the 65s will go for their second straight title against Hatyai of Thailand.
Meantime, former NCC star Elmer Reyes joined forces with Kenneth Yap, Danny Ching, Julio Cruz, Corad Siy and James Chua to beat Hatyai of Thailand, 66-51, late Tuesday.
Reyes and Yap shared scoring honors with 15 points each while Ching added 11 in his best game so far.
The win likewise assured the 60s a berth in the semis although they are determined to finish their 4-team group undefeated.
“It was a tough win, good thing everybody stepped up,” said coach Edster Sy.