Philippine Navy-Go For Gold handed Uratex its first defeat in the Women’s PBA 3×3 Invitational, staging a remarkable 18-17 comeback on Monday.
The Lady Sailors, led by Afril Bernardino and Andrea Tongco, executed crucial endgame maneuvers to secure the victory in a showdown between previously undefeated teams.
Tongco showcased nerves of steel as she sank a pressure-filled two-pointer, while Bernardino capitalized on a give-and-go play to level the score at 17-17.
With just four seconds remaining and a turnover by the Dream, the 27-year-old Bernardino executed a flawless spin move past Kaye Pingol, nailing the game-winning shot at the buzzer.
Tongco concluded with seven points, and Bernardino contributed six, accounting for six of the Lady Sailors’ last seven points. Despite initially dominating the game and holding an 8-2 lead, Uratex experienced a heartbreaking loss.
Angel Anies led the Dream with six points, and they concluded the eliminations with a 4-1 record.
However, Philippine Navy couldn’t capitalize on their success, falling to Gilas-A in overtime, 15-13.
National team member Camille Clarin secured the win for Gilas with two free throws in the extra period. Bernardino’s heroic performance, scoring eight points, forced the game into overtime.
The Lady Sailors suffered their first elimination-round defeat, sharing the top spot with the Dream. Both Philippine Navy and Uratex secured the top two positions in the crossover semifinals scheduled for Feb. 19 at Ayala Malls Glorietta.
In other standings, Gilas-A, Gilas-B, and Angelis Resort were all tied for third to fifth places with identical 2-3 records.
The tiebreaker will determine the last two teams advancing to the semifinals.
Angelis Resort faced a setback against Philippine Air Force, losing 19-18, hindering their chances of securing a semifinal spot outright. Despite defeating Gilas-B earlier, 20-19, Angelis Resort’s aspirations were thwarted.
The victory against Angelis Resort marked the first in five outings for the Air Force, who suffered a 22-12 loss to Gilas-B in the day’s opening game.
