TNT rules first leg of PBA 3×3, tops Meralco in thrilling final
TNT wins the first-ever leg of the PBA 3×3 tournament. Photo from PBA Twitter
MANILA, Philippines—Almond Vosotros delivered the P100,000 free throw as TNT overcame Meralco, 21-18, in the championship match of the first-ever PBA 3×3 tournament Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
A tense atmosphere engulfed the final minute of the game as the Tropang Giga had the chance to take the title with more than a minute remaining but Jeremiah Gray could not convert his chance from the line allowing Dexter Maiquez to put Meralco within two, 20-18, after a long jumper.
Lervin Flores then had a chance at the title but he missed his two free throws with 1:04 left in the game.
Vosotros, who couldn’t sink his first freebie, eventually finished the game after hitting his second free throw with 6.2 seconds left.
1st Leg 1st place winner: TNT Tropang Giga! #PBA3x3 #LakasNgTatlo #1stLegFinals pic.twitter.com/JdpUpzRjWw
— PBA3x3 (@PBA_3x3) November 21, 2021
Gray had 11 points, three rebounds, and one block to lead the Tropang Giga, who went undefeated, while Samboy De Leon added four points.
Vosotros pitched in three points while Flores had two.
Tonino Gonzaga led the Bolts with eight points while Joseph Sedurifa added seven.
Purefoods finished third in the first leg of the tournament after taking a 22-16 win over Platinum Karaoke.
Paolo Javelona drilled the two-pointer that secured the final podium spot for the Titans, who pocketed P30,000.
