Pasig Grindhouse. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Pasig Grindhouse Kings got back at 1Bataan Risers, 21-18, in a rematch of last week’s finals to rule the second leg of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup Sunday at the SM Megamall Events Center.
Joshua Munzon delivered the game-winning two-pointer over the outstretched arms of Santi Santillan with 1:25 left as Pasig Grindhouse avenged its finals loss in the first leg.
“It was so sweet, especially after losing the last leg in the championship game,” said Munzon as the Fil-American guard led the way for Pasig with eight points. “It was a great comeback for us.”
Taylor Statham added seven points while Dylan Ababou chipped in with six.
Pasig blew a 12-6 lead and needed to hold off Bataan, which went on a 10-2 run.
“We needed to stop fouling. We needed to get stops,” Munzon pointed out. “We have to find a way to take control a little bit. We just found a way.”
Ababou gave Pasig a one-point edge with 1:40 remaining before Munzon made the game-clinching basket.
“Just keep working, just stay hungry, not getting satisfied,” Munzon shared about the team’s focus in the remaining legs. “And continue to make that push. We want it all so keep grinding it out.”
Pasig had to go through the wringer to make the finals after it barely escaped Vigan Baluarte, 20-19, in the semifinals while Bataan had an easier route after turning back San Juan Knights-Go for Gold, 21-15, in less than six minutes.
Santillan paced the Risers with six points while Anton Asistio had five.