Joseph Eriobu emerged as the PBA 3×3 inaugurals’ leading scorer following a sensational showing in the first leg over the weekend.
The Purefoods forward amassed a total of 56 points, highlighted by an impressive run in the playoffs as he led his side to a third-place finish.
After scoring 27 in Day 1 that saw the Tender Juicy Titans go 2-2 in the eliminations, he dropped 10 points to will his squad past Terrafirma in the quarterfinals before exploding for 11 markers against TNT in the semis.
That, unfortunately, came in a losing cause, 16-20, as the Tropang Giga went on to become the Leg 1 champs that also saw them bag home P 100,000.
Still, it didn’t deter the 29-year-old lefty. Eriobu led Purefoods past Platinum Karaoke in the battle for third, scoring eight in the 22-16 victory.
Now, eyes are on the former Mapua Cardinal if he could sustain his fine play in Leg 2 on Wednesday, where the Titans are grouped in Pool C together with NorthPort, San Miguel Beer, and guest team Pioneer Pro Tibay.
Photo by PBA Images
The second-best scorer after the maiden leg, on the other hand, is halfcourt veteran Chris De Chavez of Platinum with 45 points.
The 6-foot-6 sniper was actually the league’s first double-digit scorer. He unloaded 13 points in their 21-7 beating of Zamboanga in their season opener.
De Chavez, though, dipped in Day 2 but found his stroke in the third-place game and made 10. That wasn’t enough, though, as they bowed to the Titans.
Rounding out the Top Five scorers heading into the second leg are the Tropang Giga trio of Almond Vosotros, Jeremiah Gray, and Samboy de Leon.
Photo by PBA Images
Vosotros finished with 42 points, including 12 points in their 21-9 drubbing of Limitless App to kick-start their campaign. He finished Day 1 with 22.
Spectacular was the 5-foot-10 gunslinger the whole tournament, as there were games which he himself finished. And that included the finals against Meralco, where his split from the foul line brought TNT to glory.
Photo by PBA Images
Also starring in the title bout was Gray, who powered the Tropa with 11 markers that saw him drill consecutive deuces to bring his side to match point.
The Fil-Am guard saved his best for last as he only scored 12 on Day 1. Still, it was quite a commendable run for him, given that he had just joined his team a week prior to the tilt as he had to clear protocols upon arrival from the US.
De Leon, ultimately, garnered 37 points, highlighted by his 10-point showing versus Zamboanga to ensure that TNT will finish Day 1 perfectly at 3-0.
*All stats are based on the box scores sent by the league every after game.
