Limitless Appmasters crowned champions of PBA 3×3 grand finals. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Twice crowned as the finest club in the tournament’s six legs, Limitless played boundless against Platinum Karaoke, 18-16, to tab the crown jewel of the PBA’s inaugural 3×3 showcase at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.
The AppMasters built an early cushion behind Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser’s spectacular play. Jorey Napoles and Reymar Caduyac then took turns down the stretch, neutralizing a late fightback by their fancied foes and eventually sealing the deal for the Phoenix Super LPG affiliate.
“It’s crazy seeing where we started. In the first leg, we got 11th place. And to win two in a row and then win in the Grand Finals? It’s crazy, you know,” said Rosser, who had seven points, four rebounds, and a pair each of assists and blocks.
“It’s something we knew we could do but when we actually did it, saw it happen, it’s unbelievable,” he went on in a chat with a few reporters covering the league’s final event for the year.
Limitless won the cash prize of P750,000, hiking their total earnings to P950,000 after their gilded runs during Legs 5 and 6 of the first conference.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said that the 3×3 showcase had quite the reception, baring that he is looking to open the second conference as early as January and at least two more new teams have expressed their intent to join.
“We were able to successfully run our 3×3 tournament. I also feel luck had a hand in all of our endeavors this year,” he said with a smile.
In related league news, the Governors’ Cup is set to return to Mall of Asia Arena, according to a schedule released early on Thursday.
A double-header featuring NorthPort and Blackwater, along with Magnolia and NLEX, will mark the first time games will be held at the Pasay City site since the coronavirus pandemic struck. INQ