TNT hopes to start off strong in its quest for back-to-back titles as the PBA 3x3 second conference resumes Saturday, March 5 with the second leg at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Almond Vosotros, Reymark Acuno, Samboy de Leon and Lervin Flores will play three times as part of a 16-game schedule, starting off with a match against San Miguel Beer followed by Sista and Pioneer.
The Tropang Giga are shooting for a second straight leg crown and third overall dating back to the inaugural conference, but at least three teams are eager to foil those plans.
Meralco is out to bounce back from falling short against TNT in the final of the first leg, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel looks to build on its third place finish while first conference champion Limitless will attempt to get back to its winning ways.
Pioneer and Sista begin the busy first day of the halfcourt tournament’s resumption from a two-week break at 8 a.m.
First conference bridesmaid Platinum Karaoke will look to bounce back from being booted out in the quarterfinals with Chris de Chavez being activated after missing the first leg.
His brother Carlo de Chavez is also back for Pioneer, which sorely missed his services when it lost all three games in the opening leg.
San Miguel tries to go on a deep run, especially after opening the conference with an impressive showing from new addition Ken Bono, who brought a different dimension to the squad with his play down low.
Larry Fonacier is also back for Cavitex, Purefoods and Sista, leg champions in the previous conference, will try to make a title run while Terrafirma aims to make up for its slow start the last time.
Pool A has TNT, SMB, Sista, Master Sardines and Pioneer, Pool B is composed of Meralco, Platinum, Purefoods and Terrafirma while Ginebra and Limitless are joined by Cavitex and NorthPort in Pool C.
The top three teams in Pool A and each of the first and second placers in Pool B and C will gain direct entries to the quarterfinal phase.
Third placers in Pool B and C will meet in a knockout game for the last quarters berth.