MANILA – TNT Triple Giga showed they are still the best 3×3 squad by retaining the PBA 3×3 First Conference championship with a 21-18 win over sister team Cavitex Braves over the weekend at the Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig City.
Gryann Mendoza spearheaded the offense for the Triple Giga with 10 points, including two outside shots, while Almond Vosotros contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
Lervin Flores, despite being injured, had three points and seven rebounds, while Samboy De Leon scored a single basket to round out the scoring for the Tropang Giga, which collected the champion’s purse of P750,000.
The Triple Giga actually had a cold start in the finals as they trail 7-12 before Mendoza sparked TNT’s fight back with back-to-back two pointers as they took a slim 18-17 advantage.
The Braves tried to quell their meltdown as they remained behind 18-19 before Vosotros completed the Triple Giga’s come-from-behind victory as he knocked down a long-range shot.
The Triple Giga’s dominance of the PBA 3×3 grand finals dates back in the 2021 Third Conference and included a first ever grand slam last season when it swept all three conferences at stake.
Triple Giga head coach Mau Belen said her team’s dominance in the 3×3 tournament is a testament to them being the best men’s 3×3 team in the league.
“Real talk, my team is the best team, my players are the best players. I have the best (coaching) staff. We have the best supportive management and organization,” Belen said after the match.
The Braves, which settled for P250,000 runner-up finish cash prize, was led by Dominick Fajardo’s seven points and Jorey Napoles’ six markers.
Meralco Bolts, meanwhile, relied on the exploits of Joseph Sedurifa as they took down Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, 18-14, in the battle-for-bronze medal to bag the P100,000 prize money./PN
