Triple Giga outgun Terrafirma to rule second conference Leg 2
DIFFERENT opponent in the finals, same result for multi-titled TNT Triple Giga.
With sub Gryann Mendoza leading a torrid two-point shooting, the Triple Giga overpowered surprise finalist Terrafirma, 21-11, to rule Leg 2 of the PBA 3×3 Season 3 Second Conference yesterday at the Ayala Malls Circuit.
Mr. Mendoza, who was reactivated in the KO rounds after Matt Salem went down with a knee injury Monday, fired eight points spiked by three deuces to spark TNT to back-to-back in the conference and a record-extending 15th leg triumph overall.
The Triple Giga converted eight of their 13 attempts from beyond the arc to set the tone for the runaway win worth P100,000.
With the defense focused on him, sharpshooter Almond Vosotros acted more as playmaker, dishing out four assists while making two-of-two from deep.
Chester Saldua matched Mr. Vosotros’ four-point production while Ping Excimiano shot five.
The Dyip crew of Brandon Rios (four), Ken Duremdes (three), Shaq Alanes (two) and Mark Anthony Francisco (two) settled for runner-up honors and netted P50,000 in a breakout performance highlighted by a 20-19 shocker over powerhouse Cavitex in the quarterfinals followed by a 21-16 disposal of another upset-maker, Blackwater in the semis.
The quartet matched Terrafirma’s best finish of second, which it previously achieved in Leg 4 of the Season 1 Third Conference.
Pioneer took third place and the P30,000 purse after beating Blackwater, 22-18. — Olmin Leyba
