MANILA – Manila HeiHei leaned on the exploits of Mark Tallo to clinch the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 Invitational crown on Wednesday at the Laus Events Centre here.
The former De La Salle University Green Archers guard was off to a hot start, scoring seven of Manila’s first eight points to give them an 8-1 lead.
Tallo then connived with Chilo Lanete as they stifled gun-slinging brothers Ryan and Nikki Monteclaro of the Pasig Kingpin.
Tallo, who previously played for Bacolod Master Sardines in the MPBL, knocked down the championship-clinching deuce with 4:41 remaining.
In the championship match, Tallo dropped 13 points, built on five long conversions, while center Zachary Huang chipped in with five markers.
Huang also played a huge role for Manila. He took the spot of Mike Nzeusseu who hurt his left hand during their semis encounter against ARQ Builders-Cebu.
“Malayo sa bituka ‘yun e. I hope (Nzeusseu) recovers in time for Abu Dhabu,” Manila head Aldin Ayo, pertaining to the FIBA 3×3 tournament slated in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month. “He has a big responsibility with our team and he has to overcome that. It’s not a major injury.”
He added: “Happy that this tournament happened. I hope that they got the confidence and the rhythm. It’s important that we simulate the actual situations and we can’t do that in practice.”/PN
