TNT continued the trend of winning the first leg of a PBA 3x3 conference after prevailing over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 18-15, in the finals held Sunday, May 22 at Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City.
Newcomer Gryann Mendoza scored the decisive basket off a foul with 29.8 seconds left before knocking down two free throws that gave the Tropang Giga a 17-14, and eventually rule the inaugural staging of the big league’s latest halfcourt tournament.
Mendoza, Ping Exciminiano and holdovers Almond Vosotros and Samboy de Leon claimed the top purse of P100,000 after going unbeaten throughout the two-day event held for the first time at a shopping area.
It was the third straight time that TNT won the first leg, adding to its successful runs in the first conference held last November and the second conference in February.
The Tropang Giga swept Pool A with wins over Zamboanga Valientes (21-18), Terrafirma 3x3 (21-12) and Ginebra (21-15) before defeating San Miguel Beer (21-18) in the quarterfinals and Purefoods (21-13) in the semis.
Ginebra’s Denice Villamor, Mikey Cabahug, Martin Gozum and Leo de Vera settled for runner-up honors and P50,000.
The Gin Kings edged Platinum Karaoke (21-20) in the quarters and Meralco (13-10) in the semis.
Purefoods’ Joseph Eriobu, Pao Javelona, Jun Bonsubre and Jed Mendoza secured third place and P30,000 following a 19-17 win over Meralco in the consolation match.
The second leg will be held May 28 and 29 at Robinsons Place Las Pinas.