MCFASolver Tech Centrale to bring confidence from Cebu Masters to PBA 3x3

Battling some of the top 3x3 teams in the world, Lubao-MCFASolver Tech Centrale has proven that it can hang with the big boys.

And it’s from this performance at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Cebu Masters that the team is drawing its confidence from as it turns its attention to the upcoming local leagues.

“Naipakita naming kaya namin makipagsabayan,” said guard TH Tumalip.

Seeded 12th in the 14-team field, Lubao-MCFASolver defied the odds and pulled through in the qualifying draw, winning over Taichung Hong Jia of Chinese Taipei, 19-10, and Auckland of New Zealand, 17-11, to advance to the main draw.

Even if the Kapampangan squad missed out from the final eight, the team still fought valiantly against top-ranked 3x3 squads Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy and eventual champion Miami, who was led by former NBA first round pick Jimmer Fredette.

For Tumalip, the learnings that the team picked up in this campaign will be valuable all the more as they shift their focus to the upcoming conference of PBA 3x3.

“Malaking bagay yung experience na nakuha namin, from practicing with some of the top 3x3 players hanggang sa exposure na nakuha namin paglaban sa mga top teams, madadala namin lahat yun papunta sa PBA 3x3,” he said.

Tumalip was the lone Filipino in the squad which also included Jose Blasquez of Spain, Stanko Kujundzic of Croatia, and Cameroonian big man Mike Nzeusseu.

Now, he links up with local teammates Louie Vigil, Ael Banal, Yutien Andrada, Nico Salva, and Brandon Ramirez as they look to continue making the Lubao-based team proud come the start of the second conference of PBA 3x3 in October.