FILIPINO-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) booked a fourth straight semis appearance by sweeping its group elims in the ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament Thursday at Indoor Stadium 3 of Chiang Mai Sports Complex in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Roberto “Benjie” Poblete endured rugged plays of Sarawak (Malaysia) players to lead the Fil-Chinese seniors to a vengeful 47-26 win in Group B eliminations of the annual tournament.
The former Adamson star scored eight of his 16 points in the opening period that set tone for the team’s runaway win. He also had eight rebounds and two assists in another solid performance that somehow rubbed off on his teammates, especially Jimi Lim.
The Ironcon Builders owner chipped in eight points on an impressive 4-of-5 shooting.
“That made our revenge sweeter,” said Lim moments after crushing the team that ruined their Grand Slam bid last year.
Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que was held to just four points this time but it hardly mattered as Zotico Tan, Andrew Ongteco, William Lao, Antonio Go and Achit Kaw supplied the needed firepower.
FCVBA was ruthless defensively it held the Malaysians scoreless in the third quarter through the tough plays of former Crispla players Bong dela Cruz and Joel Gomez.
The team goes for a final berth as it battles Zaap of host Thailand. Clashing in the other semis pair are defending champion Hatyai and Sarawak.
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