CAVITEX secured a back-to-back victory in the PBA 3×3 First Conference Season 3, cruising to a 22-10 win against Pioneer Elastoseal in the Leg 5 title game on Tuesday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Former 3×3 national player Jorey Napoles and Kenneth Ighalo both contributed seven points for the Braves, who dominated the entire 10-minute final match. Led by Napoles and Ighalo, Cavitex quickly built a 10-2 lead and maintained control throughout, earning them a consecutive leg championship.
Dominick Fajardo and Bong Galanza each scored four points for Coach Kyles Lao’s Braves, who secured the grand prize of P100,000. Cavitex faced a tough challenge in the semifinals against two-time leg champion Barangay Ginebra but managed to survive with a close 20-19 victory.
In the title game against Pioneer Elastoseal, Cavitex was never truly threatened.
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Pioneer, who had earlier defeated Northport 18-13 in the semifinals, settled for the second runner-up spot and took home P50,000.
Gian Morido tried to lead Elastoseal with eight points, but last-minute entry Gian Abrigo, who replaced Enrique Caunan heading into the knockout stage, was held to just one point.
Meanwhile, Ginebra secured third place by defeating Northport 21-18, earning them a cash prize of P30,000. Donald Gumaru was instrumental in the Kings’ victory with an impressive 13 points. It was a strong performance from Ginebra, who had previously been champions in Legs 1 and 2.
During the quarterfinals, Northport triumphed over Purefoods 17-14, Cavitex outgunned Meralco 16-14, Pioneer narrowly beat Blackwater 14-12, and Ginebra managed a close 17-15 win against TNT.
The Scores
Third place
Ginebra (21) – Gumaru 13, Salcedo 4, Cu 2, Ubalde 2.
Northport (18) – Capacio 6, Bulawan 6, Bauzon 4, Zamora 2.
Finals
Cavitex (22) – Napoles 7, Ighalo 7, Fajardo 4, Galanza 4.
Pioneer (10) – Morido 8, Abrigo 1, Mocon 1, Villamor 0.
