Barangay Ginebra finally broke through the PBA 3x3 circuit, surviving a tough fighting Platinum Karaoke side in overtime, 20-19, to take the Leg 3 crown of Season 2 Third Conference Friday, Jan. 27, at Robinsons Place Antipolo.
Kim Aurin led the Kings with nine points, but Donald Gumaru saved the day for the team after grabbing the long rebound off an Aurin miss and nailed the 18-foot jumper for the clincher.
Gumaru added six points and seven rebounds, while Ralph Cu and Ralph Salcedo round up the scoring for Ginebra, coached by Kirk Collier.
“Gustung-gusto kong mag-champion kasi minsan lang mangyari yung opportunity na ito,” said Aurin as the rest of the Kings celebrated at midcourt upon receiving the top prize of P100,000.
Barangay Ginebra twice made the finals in the past behind now PBA player Encho Serrano, but finished runner-up both times behind San Miguel Beer and TNT Tropang Giga, respectively.
But the Kings almost let this one slipped away, too, as Nico Salva rallied back Platinum Karaoke from a 17-12 deficit to forge overtime at 18-all.
Salva even moved Platinum on the verge when he scored the first basket in overtime.
But Aurin answered back with a layup to tie the game at 19-19, and set the stage for the dramatic finish.
Platinum Karaoke received P50,000 for the runner up finish, with Salva leading the team with nine points, and big man Yutien Andrada adding seven points and seven rebounds.