Abueva-led Manila North edges Beirut in Fiba 3×3

Abueva tries to get by defender. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Manila North scraped past Beirut, 20-18, in a thriller in the Fiba 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters Saturday at Robinson’s Place Manila.

Alaska’s Vic Manuel buried the go-ahead free throws with 7.1 seconds left before Manila North made a defensive stop to preserve the Philippines’ second win of the day.

Manila West, a team composed of Terrence Romeo, Rey Guevarra, Aldrech Ramos and KG Canaleta, won over Auckland, 21-18, earlier.

READ: Romeo dazzles in Manila West win over Aucklan in Fiba 3×3

It was a scrappy win for Manila North, who dragged Beirut to a physical game where the likes of Manuel and Calvin Abueva, known for their bruising brand of basketball in the PBA, shone.

“Hinanap lang namin kung saan kami makakalamang (We just went where we have the advantage),” said Aces forward Abueva.

“We needed to play physical against them. We banked on our hustle,” said Troy Rosario, the only amateur on the team.

Manila North goes for a 2-0 record when it faces Ljubljana at 5:40 p.m. IDL