Reigning titlist Blackwater Elite opened the PBA-Tag Heuer 3-on-3 Women’s Basketball Tournament with a hard-earned win over Meralco, 11-9 Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts forced the Elite to a toe-to-toe battle, with Janice Abesamis’ two giving the team a 6-5 lead.
Camille Sambile came back with back to back baskets but a free throw by Regina Dela Merced made it 9-8 for Meralco.
Raiza Palmera-Dy then came through in the clutch, scoring on two straight drives to hand Blackwater a 10-9 lead.
A hook shot by Sambile made it 11-9 in the dying moments as Blackwater held on for the win in Group B while sending Meralco to its first loss.
In Group A action, the Alaska Aces avoided losing their second straight outing by battling back to edge the Star Hotshots, 7-5.
Analyn Belasa and Katherine Merilo each hit long range shots to give Star a 5-2 lead.
But Francesca Gomendoza hit a two of her own, before making another basket to knot the count at 5-all.
Ana Marika Iida pushed Alaska ahead before Gomendoza sealed the win with another basket, 7-5.
Alaska improved to 1-1 while Star lost its opener.
