TNT and Purefoods won all three matches in pool play to secure quarterfinal berths in the inaugural leg of the PBA 3x3 third conference held Saturday, May 21 at Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City.
Almond Vosotros, Samboy de Leon and new additions Ping Exciminiano and Gryann Mendoza gave TNT victories over returning Zamboanga Valientes (21-16), Terrafirma (21-12) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (21-15) to top Pool A.
Joseph Eriobu, Jed Mendoza, Jun Bonsubre and Paolo Javelona conspired as Purefoods downed Cavitex (21-12), Master Sardines (21-19) and new-look Limitless (19-18) in Pool C.
The Tropang Giga will face the second-ranked team in Pool D while the TJ Giants battle the runner-up in Pool B.
Ginebra clinched the other quarters berth in Pool A after going 2-1 while Limitless, which no longer has Brandon Rosser who was selected first pick by Blackwater in last week’s PBA Draft, and Cavitex are tied for second in Pool C at 1-1.
San Miguel Beer and Platinum Karaoke also progressed to the quarters after claiming wins over NorthPort in Pool D.
Sista exacted a measure of revenge on second conference champion Pioneer Pro Tibay with an 18-16 win in Pool B.
The two teams square off in the final of the previous conference last April 27 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, with Pioneer taking the win.
But Sista would fall short against Meralco, 21-8, later in the day.