Pasig TNT’s magical run in Penang ended at the hands of another Chinese team.
The reigning PBA 3×3 grand slam champion’s late rally fell short, bowing to Futian, 20-18, to finish fourth in the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Hoops Penang Challenger on Sunday at at the Main Atrium of Queensbay Mall in Malaysia.
It was still a valiant stand for the Triple Giga, who entered the tournament as the 10th seed.
During the pool stage, Pasig TNT lost to eventual-finalist Beijing, 19-21, before bouncing back against Lublin, 21-11, to advance to the knockout stage of this tournament that serves as a qualifier for the Macau Masters next month.
In the semis, Pasig TNT scored a massive upset, knocking off third-seed NY Harlem, 21-18, in the quarters.
However, Almond Vosotros and the Tropang Giga lost steam against Futian.
It was a tight game all throughout.
With the game knotted at 14-all, Guo Hanyu triggered a 5-1 spurt, taking advantage of Pasig TNT, who went cold from deep.
Futian held on to their lead, setting up an all Chinese finale.
Guo led Futian with seven points while Dutch reinforcement Dimeo van der Horst and Zhang Dianliang chipped in six and five points respectively.
Raoul Odou paced TNT with nine points while Almond Vosotros and Gryann Mendoza got five and points, respectively.
The Scores:
Pasig TNT 18 – Odou 8, Vosotros 5, Mendoza 4, Exciminiano 1.
Futian 20 – Guo 7, van der Horst 6, Zhang 5, Chen 2.
