The miracle run continues for Pasig TNT.
The reigning PBA 3×3 grand slam champions scored a massive 21-18 (8:58) upset of NY Harlem to advance to the semifinals of the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Hoops Penang Challenger on Sunday at at the Main Atrium of Queensbay Mall in Malaysia.
With the Americans breathing down their necks after cutting a once 14-7 lead down to 18-19 with 1:02 left, Gryann Mendoza stepped on the plate, knocking down two clutch free throws to punch their ticket to the final four.
The Triple Giga will face China’s Futian in the semifinals at 4:25 p.m.
Futian, who is led by Dutch 3×3 specialist Dimeo van der Horst, defeated Utsunomiya Brex in the quarterfinals, 21-18.
The other semifinals bracket will feature China’s Beijing taking on Germany’s Dusseldorf.
The winner of this Challenger will advance to the Macau Masters next month.
Behind Mendoza and Vosotros, TNT built a 7-14 lead.
But the Pool C leaders rallied back, slicing the lead to 18-15 after a Dominique Jones corner deuce.
Mendoza was able to find Raoul Odou for a jam to give TNT a four-point cushion but Marcel Esonwune and Kidani Brutus sustained NY’s momentum, bringing down the lead to 18-19.
A foul by NY set up Mendoza’s clutch heroics.
Mendoza had a game-high nine points while Vosotros was limited to just five points.
Brutus and Jones led Harlem with seven and six points, respectively.
The Scores:
Pasig TNT 21 – Mendoza 9, Vosotros 5, Odou 4, Exciminiano 3.
NY Harlem 18 – Brutus 7, Jones 6, Esonwune 4, Edwards 1.
