TNT went through a wringer but displayed its championship poise to squeeze out a 21-19 victory over a gallant Meralco side in the Finals of the Leg 1 of the PBA 3x3 Season 2 first conference at the Robinson’s Place Antipolo on Sunday, Sept.11.
The Tropang Giga faced a tough competition in the Finals against the Bolts who held their ground behind the clutch deuce from Tonino Gonzaga with 1.7 seconds left to force the overtime, 19-all.
TNT, however, showed composure as Samboy De Leon and Ping Exciminiano scored on a back-to-back layup to complete a sweep of the tournament and bag the first leg title of the brand new season along with the P100,000 top prize.
Almond Vosotros delivered in the big game with nine points built on two deuces while Exciminiano added seven points including the title clinching layup.
Alfred Batino and Gonzaga paced the Bolts with six points each, settling for the second place and P50,000 prize.
In the battle for third, Platinum Karaoke outlasted J&T Express with a 12-10 triumph to claim the P30,000 consolation. Terrence Tumalip and Yves Sazon provided the one-two punch to deny the PBA 3x3 newcomers a podium finish which banked on Joseph Sedurifa and Keith Datu.
J&T, however, seemed to have lost its steam especially after pushing TNT to the limit although still falling short, 18-15, in the semifinals.