Pioneer Pro Tibay ousted first conference champion and Southeast Asian Games-bound Limitless in stunning fashion with a 16-14 overtime victory in the quarterfinals of the PBA 3x3 Grand Finals at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Gian Abrigo knocked down the two-point shot in the extension to give the Pro Tibay a dramatic win at the expense of the Appmasters, whose roster will also be tasked to represent the country in next month’s SEAG in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Abrigo, Robin Rono, Carlo Escalambre and Christian Rivera fashioned out the upset despite having to go through a pool play in order to make it to the knockout phase of the second conference finale.
Brandon Rosser, Jorey Napoles, Reymar Caduyac and Marvin Hayes came into the Grand Finals having won two legs before claiming the top seed in the quarters, only to be shown the door by the determined Pioneer side.
The Pro Tibay will take on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, which also pulled the upset with a 21-12 victory over San Miguel Beer.
Encho Serrano and Jayson David combined for 16 points as Ginebra built on its 22-19 win over Platinum Karaoke in the resumption of the Grand Finals to reach the last four.
The giant-killing ways continued with Sista sending home Meralco with a 16-15 victory.
Jan Jamon scored a crucial basket late as the Super Sealers, who placed ninth after six legs and swept pool play, made their way to the semis.
Jamon, Kenneth Mocon, JJ Manlangit and Jamil Gabawan are set to face TNT in the other semis.
TNT survived Terrafirma, 18-17, after Samboy de Leon nailed the two-point attempt in the dying seconds.