MANILA, Philippines — Mac Tallo came to the rescue as Cebu Chooks escaped Zavkhan MMC Energy, 21-19 (9:19.9), to enter the 2022 Chooks-to-Go Fiba 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters playoffs Saturday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
The Philippines’ top 3×3 player nailed the game-winning two pointer with 40.1 seconds left to keep Cebu Chooks’ campaign alive.
Tallo finished with three points, three rebounds, and four assists as the team bounced back following a tough loss to Ub Huishan NE earlier.
Nzeusseu top-scored for Cebu with nine points and four rebounds. The 6-foot-7 Cameroonian was pivotal down the stretch, scoring three straight to flip a two-point deficit to a 19-18 lead with 1:06 remaining.
Ramirez had seven points while Zach Huang added three.
Cebu will take on Liman Huishan NB in the Knock-out quarterfinals on Sunday.
Liman Huishan NB, the world No. 3 emerged as the top seed of Pool C after sweeping both of its games.