Adrian Celada completed Fyr Fyter Bacolod’s magical run in the second leg of the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 Magiting Cup, lifting his side to a 21-19 (8:05) over the Mindoro Tamaraws in the final, Friday afternoon at the SM Fairview Events Center.
“Last conference, hindi ko naranasan ito. Dati, kami yung nakatingala, pero ngayon, isa na kami sa tinitingala. Iba pala yung pakiramdam,” said Celada, who played for the Tycoon QC Ballers last conference.
Down 15-17 with under four minutes left, Celada took charge. He scored five of the last six points of Bacolod, including the game-winning lay-up with 1:55 remaining to win the PHP 100,000 pot.
“Kahit sino sa amin pwedeng tumira, pero ako yung nagka-chance kanina. Lahat sa amin kaya gawin yun,” added Celada, who had seven points in the game.
Big man Mark Yee added seven markers. Mark Dela Cruz and Louie Medalla chipped in four and three markers, respectively.
Streaky shooter Rodel Vaygan paced Mindoro with eight points, while Joshua Saret had six markers.
Bacolod – who finished fifth in the first leg in this tournament backed by Coca-Cola – rose to solo third with 150 points. On the other hand, Mindoro rose to a tie for fourth with Phenom-Basilan with 140 points.
To get to the finale, Bacolod shocked last leg’s runner-up Phenom Basilan, 21-17 (9:38.3), while Mindoro romped Equalivet-Pateros, 21-15 (6:15).
Pasig and Balanga did not participate in this leg, as they are preparing for the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Manila Masters this weekend. Both teams will be credited with 60 points.
In the Chooks-to-Go Harissa Roast side-events, David Carlos scored his second win in the dunk competition. Meanwhile, Pateros’ James Martinez took down the two-point shootout.
The Scores:
Bacolod 21 – Celada 7, Yee 7, Dela Cruz 4, Medalla 3.
Mindoro 19 – Vaygan 8, Saret 6, Bolos 5, Ilarde 0.
