Pasig finally solved the Balanga puzzle to take the 21-19 victory in the fourth leg championship of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 MelMac Cup Season 2, Tuesday at Gold’s Gym Sheridan in Mandaluyong.
Joshua Munzon atoned for his crucial foul on Alvin Pasaol in the final minute, burying the game-winning freebie with 22.8 seconds remaining to once again ascend to the top of the mountain.
Munzon, the top 3×3 player in the country, finished with 13 points built on five deuces.
This is the Kings’ first title in the second season. They take home the Php100,000 prize in the tourney, which is also presented by Coca-Cola and Gold’s Gym.
“At the end of the day, we’re all coming out here and we’re just having fun,” he said. “It’s a good competition and I think the main goal is the OQT. Everybody’s here trying to gather points, and we’re all trying to make it to the Olympic qualifiers.”
With Pasig leading 20-19, Munzon fouled Pasaol shooting a two-pointer with 40.8 seconds, but the latter failed to end the game after muffing both of his charities.
“I think it was lucky that he missed both free throws. I didn’t expect him to miss both,” he said.
Balanga continued to blow its chances after Santi Santillan missed on his drive, leading to Munzon drawing a foul on Karl Dehesa to wrap the game for good.
“It was just a series of unfortunate events that happened and I’m happy that we were all tough in those last possessions,” said Munzon.
Franky Johnson added five points for Pasig, while Troy Rike got three.
Balanga still wound up with Php30,000.
Santillan paced the Pure with nine points. Pasaol and Dehesa both wound up with four apiece.
Big Boss Cement-Porac wound up in third place to bag Php20,000.
Meanwhile, Andrew LeBreque of Same Energy Kabankalan City claimed the Chooks-to-Go Harissa Roast Two-Point Shootout title and take home Php10,000.
Leg five continues on Wednesday, still at the same venue.
The Scores:
Pasig 21 –– Munzon 13, Johnson 5, Rike 3, Ababou 0.
Balanga 19 — Santillan 9, Pasaol 4, Dehesa 4, De Chavez 2.
