Bono, Yap banner HSCI’s title conquest

Hua Siong College of Iloilo-Lamtex Pipes would not be denied, booking a thrilling 89-85 win over Xavier School-Acrocity x Zhoosh to secure the inaugural Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc. (FCAAI) 40s Division crown late Friday at the PlayTime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Ken Bono was the difference-maker in Game 3 of this best-of-three title series as he dropped 21 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to win the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors and help HSCI win the maiden championship.

Two-time Philippine Basketball Association MVP James Yap was just as magnificent, delivering 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to add another title to his trophy collection.

Rhagnee Sinco also bounced back from a forgettable Game 2 showing and exploded for 26 points, three rebounds and two assists in the decider.

The three former University Athletic Association of the Philippines stars conspired in HSCI’s 12-0 charge that turned a 66-all deadlock to a 78-66 lead, but Joseph Yeo kept AAXS in the game, responding with a 16-6 response to cut the deficit to just two points, 84-82, with 1:23 to go.

Chris Tiu had a chance to take the lead in the final minute for Xavier, but he missed his three-point attempt from the right wing. Eduardo Allado would answer back with a triple of his own with 18.2 ticks left to seal the victory for HSCI.

Yeo, a former De La Salle University star, fired 38 points on an 8-of-22 shooting from deep, to go with seven assists, four rebounds and four steals, while Tiu notched 16 points and four boards as Xavier settled for a runner-up finish.