In an exciting match that saw a remarkable comeback, J&T Express emerged as the champions of the PBA 3×3 Third Conference Season 2’s final leg, defeating TNT, 21-20, Sunday at Robinsons Place Manila.
Joseph Sedurifa led the way for J&T with 10 points, including four consecutive points to cap a closing 8-0 run and complete the upset victory against the multi-titled Tropang Giga.
J&T Express, under the guidance of coach Ryan Monteclaro, took home the top prize of P100,000, which serves as a big morale booster to their campaign in next week’s grand finals.
The team had appeared to be in trouble early on as the Tropang Giga moved to the hill, leading 20-13, on two free throws by Luis Villegas with 3:50 left to play.
However, J&T found its rhythm soon after, with Sedurifa scoring on a layup to spark the Express’ scoring run. Sedurifa’s deuce with 2:29 to go closed the team within 20-19, before hitting another two 17 seconds later for the game-winner.
Keith Datu added five, and Robin Rono and veteran Marvin Hayes each had three in a balanced scoring for J&T, which evened its finals duel with TNT at 2-2.
J&T Express defeated Ricci Rivero and Blackwater in the quarter-finals and Meralco in the semi-finals. Their impressive performance in the tournament was a testament to their chemistry which they developed all throughout the season.
Lervin Flores led the obviously stunned Tropang Giga with seven points and four rebounds,. Meanwhile, Almond Vosotros, the league’s undefeated scoring champion, was held to just six points.
TNT claimed the runner-up prize of P50,000.
In the match for third place, Meralco beat Cavitex by a score of 20-17, taking home the consolation prize of P30,000.
Diminutive guard Jeff Manday finished with 10 points to lead the way for the Bolts.
The Scores:
Third place:
Meralco (20) – Manday 10, Maagdenberg 5, Santos 3, Manlangit 2.
Cavitex (17) – Napoles 6, Fajardo 5, Saldua 4, Galanza 2.
Finals:
J&T (21) – Sedurifa 10, Datu 5, Rono 3, Hayes 3.
TNT (20) – Flores 7, Vosotros 6, Villegas 4, Exciminiano 3.
