The Pasig Grindhouse Kings endured another heated encounter as they ran through old rival 1Bataan Risers, 19-7, and claim the first-ever Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup on Sunday at SM Fairview.
Joshua Munzon, the country’s top-ranked 3×3 player, led an inspired attack for the Grindhouse Kings in the championship round where they became the inaugural champions of the tournament. Pasig Grindhouse take home the grand prize of one million pesos.
Munzon scored 11 points in the finals, most of which came after an altercation with Chito Jaime midway through the game.
“It’s attributed to our hard work. Since we first lost in this league, that really left a bad taste on our mouths. We’re driven every week to push ourselves to get better,” said Munzon, who was later named the tournament’s best player.
“We’ve been practicing for the physicality. It’s something we have to get used to,” he added. “I feel like we’ve been a target since week one.”
Taylor Statham contributed five points. Troy Rike chipped in two for the Grindhouse Kings, who earlier qualified to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Masters in Doha following their 19-18 win over the San Juan Knights-Go For Gold in the semis.
Alvin Pasaol led the way for the Risers, scoring five of their seven points in the game. After a solid outing in the tournament, BAVI President and CEO Ronald Mascariñas later announced that Chooks will give 200,000 pesos for the runners-up.
Both teams will represent the country in the coming Chooks-to-Go Asia Pacific 3×3 Super Quest on April 6-7 at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall.
Earlier, Kobe Paras outlasted dunk specialist David Carlos in another exciting edition of the Gameville Slam Dunk contest.
Paras entertained the crowd with a reverse jam off the backboard to get a 50, and narrowly edged Carlos, who finished with 49.
Valenzuela Classic’s Chris de Chavez also ruled the three point competition after out-shooting Pasay’s JP Belencion, 7-6, in the final round.
