Ken Bono starred as San Miguel sneaked past TNT, 21-20, to reach the PBA 3×3 Second Conference Leg 6 Final, Wednesday at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The burly big man led the Beermen with nine points, none bigger than his jumper off the glass with 2:47 left to win it. That gave his side the opportunity to bag their second championship since ruling the second leg.
It was also the former UAAP MVP from Adamson who sent SMB to the semis. He drained the game-clinching deuce to eliminate top-seed Meralco.
Louie Vigil also made his presence felt in the Final-sealing victory with seven points. Flashy guard Jeff Manday chimed in four markers.
Meanwhile, Almond Vosotros and Samboy De Leon finished with seven points each to lead TNT, who actually led by three twice early. Then Vigil and Bono orchestrated the Beermen’s comeback to oust their foes.
Facing San Miguel for Leg 6 supremacy – and for the P100,000 top prize – is Pioneer, who beat Purefoods through a 16-13 decision.
Christian Rivera made seven points to lead the ProTibay, who are making their first-ever Finals trip in this conference. It is their first since Leg 3 of the First Conference, where they bowed to Sista in a battle of adhesive giants.
Carlo Escalambre made four points, while Gian Abrigo added three for Pioneer, who was in control of the match early on.
Joseph Eriobu led the Titans with seven points, limited after back-to-back double-digit performances. Pao Javelona and Jun Bonsubre scored five markers together in the loss that prolonged their Finals drought.
The last time San Miguel and Pioneer faced in the playoffs was back in Leg 2 of this level five tournament. The Beermen defeated Pro Tibay in the semis of that leg, 21-19.
Purefoods, though, still has the chance to improve its fourth-place finish in Leg 5. It takes on TNT in the battle for third.
The Scores:
Semis first game
SMB 21 – Bono 9, Vigil 7, Manday 4, Mangahas 1.
TNT 20 – Vosotros 7, De Leon 7, Javier 4, Flores 2.
Semis second game
Pioneer Pro Tibay 16 – Rivera 7, Escalambre 4, Abrigo 3, Roño 2.
Purefoods TJ 13 – Eriobu 7, Javelona 3, Bonsubre 2, Mendoza 1.
