Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) reclaimed its 65-and-above crown in dramatic fashion on Saturday, pulling off a 54-50, come-from-behind win in the ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament at Indoor Stadium 3 of the Chiang Mai Sports Complex in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Given up for dead after falling behind by nine points midway in the payoff period, the Fil-Chinese seniors came through with a mighty 16-3 finish to post what could be the most enthralling title win in the tournament.
And credit should go to former PBA player Benjie Poblete, guard Andrew Ongteco, and seldom-used Antonio Go who produced one big play after another to clinch the title via a four-game sweep.
Exhausted after being subjected to a number of physical plays, Poblete completed FCVBA’s remarkable comeback with a go-ahead basket. The team then watched a Thai player miss an open 3-point attempt.
FCVBA godfathers – Jimi Lim of Ironcon Builders and Terry Que of Rain or Shine – and coaches Elmer Reyes and Jerry Gonzales heaved a sigh of relief only when Bong dela Cruz secured the rebound. He then made a perfect pass on the streaking Zotico Tan for the insurance basket.
“What a win it was! Dumaan kami sa butas ng karayom,” said Que, whom Hatyai’s solid defense held scoreless early on.
“That’s resilience. We did not give up,” said Lim, who was all praises as Poblete almost single-handedly carried the fight until Go and Ongteco delivered clutch baskets.
The 6-foot-3 Poblete, who played for four years in the PBA, erupted for 27 points, including a three-point play that cut Hatyai’s lead down to two. Ongteco then nailed a side jumper to tie the count at 50-all.
But the biggest revelation for FCVBA was the 6-foot-6 Go, who fueled the team’s comeback by scoring three of his eight points in the crunch. Ongteco added six points.
