MANILA – TNT Tropang Giga ruled the first leg of the PBA 3×3 Third Conference via an 18-15 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in a one-game finale at the Robinsons Magnolia.
Samboy de Leon spearheaded the offense in the finals with seven points. Gryann Mendoza added five markers while Almond Vosotros and Chris Exciminiano had four and two, respectively.
From a tight ballgame, De Leon sparked the Tropang Giga to a 13-9 advantage with consecutive baskets but the Kings answered with a rally to force a deadlock at 14-all.
Mendoza surged the Tropang Giga ahead at 17-14 following a converted three-point play after being fouled by Kings’ Leodaniel de Vera before Vosotros sealed the win with a free throw.
De Vera, a transferee from Sista Supersealers, carried the fight for the Gin Kings with seven points, while Denice Villamor and Martin Gozum had four and three, respectively.
For capturing the leg championship, the Mau Belen-mentored Tropang Giga captured P100,000 cash prize, while the Gin Kings settled for P50,000 incentive.
“Malaking tulong ang dalawa naming bago para makuha namin ang first leg championship. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na (going to the next legs),” said Vosotros.
On their way to the championship round, the Tropang Giga swept their Pool A assignment before ousting San Miguel Beermen in the quarterfinals (21-18) and Purefoods TJ Titans in the semifinals (21-13).
The Gin Kings, on the other hand, survived Platinum Karaoke in the quarterfinals round, 21-20, before prevailing over Meralco Bolts in a low-scoring semis game, 13-10.
Purefoods, meanwhile, took consolation by winning third place and P30,000 via a 19-17 verdict over fellow losing semifinalist Meralco. Joseph Eriobu tallied nine points, while Bacolodnon Nico Paolo Javelona added eight markers./PN
