Fiba 3×3: Rosario tips in game-winner, lifts Manila North to 2-0

Manila North celebrates after tight win over Ljubljana of Slovenia. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Troy Rosario tipped in the game-winning basket and Manila North survived Ljubljana of Slovenia, 17-16, to go 2-0 in the opening day of the Fiba 3×3 World Tour Manila MastersSaturday at Robinson’s Place Manila.

Rosario, a projected top two pick in the PBA Draft this month, scored the put back with under 10 seconds left.

“I needed that because I had two crucial turnovers so I wanted to make up for it,” said the 23-year-old Rosario in Filipino.

“We also have great teamwork and we really hustled throughout the game,” added Rosario, who had a busted lower lip after taking an elbow.

Both teams were coming off victories against the Beirut. Manila North won a close one over Beirut, 20-18, while Lujubljana demolished the same team, 21-12, in its first game.

Karl Dehesa knotted the game at 16 with 37 seconds to go before Rosario scored the go-ahead basket.

Alaska’s tandem of Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel were again all over the floor and their energy was contagious.

“Their hustle and intensity rubbed off on everybody in the team,” said Rosario.

Abueva strung up four straight points to give Manila North a 10-6 cushion before losing the lead and even trailing, 16-14, with 51 ticks remaining. CFC