Master Sardines finally broke through in the PBA 3×3 as it caught a big fish in Platinum Karaoke, 21-20, to conclude its Leg 3 campaign in the Second Conference on a high note, Sunday at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Levi Hernandez led the Fishing Champs with eight points, none bigger than his game-winning free throw with 1:37 left to play that finally gave the guest team a victory after losing their first nine games, most of which were close ones.
Cyrus Tabi supplied five points, while Mon Mabayo and Jeff Comia combined for four markers for Master, who ended the stop with a 1-3 card.
The Vic Ycasiano-coached crew, though, had to overcome anxious moments before bagging the W. They actually got to match point with 2:21 left behind Mabayo’s split, until the opposition showed their experience.
Chris De Chavez knocked down a couple of two-pointers to tie the game at 20-all with 1:41 left. However, Platinum got haunted by its foul woes, leading to Hernandez’s trip to the line that eventually finished the match.
De Chavez powered his side with a game-high 15 points on seven deuces in the loss that booted them out of contention. They finished at 1-3.
Platinum’s surprising early exit boded well for San Miguel and Terrafirma. The two are now bound for the quarterfinals, along with TNT.
The Tropang GIga clinched the no. 1 seed in Pool A, beating an injury hit Beermen, 21-15, to sweep its way to the next round.
Almond Vosotros registered a rare double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, setting the tone early for the Leg 1 champions on the way to collecting their fourth victory in as many games.
Lervin Flores contributed six points while Samboy De Leon added three, including the game-clinching lay-up with 1:48 left to play. The deadshot winger was also the one who drained the winners in their first three matches.
The Leg 2 kings, on the other hand, were led by the eight points of Jeff Manday in the defeat. Mon Rogado backed him up with six.
Still, SMB is headed to the quarters as the second seed, followed by the Dyip at no. 3. Both squads are carrying similar 2-2 records but San Miguel defeated Terrafirma by way of a 19-18 overtime win in the Day 1 opener.
The Scores:
First game
TNT 21 – Vosotros 10, Flores 6, De Leon 3, Javier 2.
SMB 15 – Manday 8, Rogado 6, Mangahas 1, Austria 0.
Second game
Master Sardines 21 – Hernandez 8, Tabi 5, Comia 4, Mabayo 4.
Platinum Karaoke 20 – De Chavez 15, Alabanza 4, Banal 1, Andrada 0.
