Ginebra remains on track for a third straight leg title in the PBA 3×3 First Conference Season 3 as they advanced directly to the knockout stage of the tournament on Monday at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay.
Ralph Cu continued his impressive form from last week, scoring six points in the Kings’ 15-12 victory over Purefoods to kickstart their campaign in Leg 3 on a high note. Cu had previously made the game-winning shot in Leg 2, leading Ginebra to an overtime win (19-17) against Meralco and securing the first two leg championships in the opening conference of the season.
With the Kings eyeing the chance to be the first team to win the crown in three consecutive legs, they faced a tough challenge in Pool A against Pioneer Elastoseal, who earlier emerged as 15-14 winners against Purefoods.
Ginebra and Pioneer, both securing spots in the quarterfinals, were still in action as of press time.
Meanwhile, TNT wasted no time in getting back on track, winning their first two games in the opening day of pool play. The Triple Giga defeated Blackwater 21-18 and followed it up with a 21-15 victory over Cavitex, placing them at the top of Pool C and securing a berth in the next round.
Almond Vosotros made a successful return to action for TNT, which previously missed the quarterfinals in Leg 2 due to a shorthanded rotation.
In Pool B, San Miguel also boasts a 2-0 record and is well-positioned to clinch one of the three quarterfinal slots in their group. Ken Bono’s double-figure performances played a crucial role as the Beermen triumphed over Wilcon Depot (21-18) and Northport (21-13).
Remaining in the hunt for the four remaining quarterfinal berths are Meralco (1-1), Wilcon (1-1), and Northport (0-2) in Pool B, while Cavitex (1-1), Blackwater (1-1), and Terrafirma (0-2) compete in Pool C.
