Cavitex handed TNT its first-ever loss in the PBA 3x3 with a 20-19 victory in other pool play matches in the tournament’s second leg held Wednesday, Nov. 24 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Larry Fonacier and AC Soberano combined for 16 points as the Braves, also composed of Kyles Lao and Ernest Reyes, ended the first leg champions’ run of 10 straight victories to begin their stint in the PBA’s halfcourt version.
Cavitex, however, couldn’t capitalize on the victory as it fell 21-17 to San Miguel Beer, denying itself the last quarterfinal seat in Pool A.
The Braves ended with a 2-2 record, needing the Beermen to lose their final assignment against the Zamboanga Valientes the following day.
Despite the defeat, TNT is already assured of a quarters spot at 3-1 after winning its first three assignments, including a 21-12 victory over SMB.
Also with a 3-1 slate in the group is Sista’s Prince Rivero, Leo de Vera, RJ Argamino and Kenneth Mocon following a 21-19 triumph against the Beermen.
Terrafirma’s Roider Cabrera, Dhon Reverente, Terrence Tumalip and Jebb Bulawan took the lead in Pool B after defeating Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 21-19. It was Terrafirma’s second win in as many games after stunning first leg runner-up Meralco.
Limitless’ Brandon Rosser, JP Belencion, Marvin Hayes and Reymar Caduyac drew closer to a quarters berth in Pool B after taking down Ginebra, 21-17.
Terrafirma plays Limitless and Meralco takes on Ginebra to determine the two outright spots in the pool.
Also assured of quarterfinal spots in Pool C are Platinum Karaoke and Pioneer following their second victory at the expense of NorthPort.
Platinum’s Chris de Chavez, Karl Dehesa, JR Alabanza and Yutien Andrada downed NorthPort, 21-10, while Pioneer’s Carlo de Chavez, Robin Rono, Carlo Escalambre and Gian Abrigo, 21-12.
The two non-PBA squads dispute top spot in the pool Thursday, Nov. 25.
NorthPort dropped to 0-2 and will play Purefoods to determine third spot in Pool C and a knockout match against its Pool B counterpart for the last quarters berth.