Finally, TNT got its payback against Meralco.
The Triple Giga denied the Bolts a third straight title by winning Leg 5 of the PBA 3×3 Third Conference, 21-18, on Tuesday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Main man Almondo Vosotros struck in the homestretch of the tightly-fought contest, scoring the team’s last three points, including the short jumper that clinched TNT’s first leg crown in the final conference of Season 3.
TNT twice lost to Meralco in the finals of the previous two legs.
Vosotros top-scored for the new champions with seven points, Ping Exciminiano, and debutant Xyrus Torres had five each, while Chester Saldua added four for the Triple Giga, who took home the top purse of P100,000.
(C) PBA Images
The team of coach Mau Belen also dedicated the title to teammate Samboy De Leon, who is out with a season-ending injury.
“This is for you, brother. Get well soon,” said Saldua of De Leon, who was replaced by Torres.
Jeff Manday finished with seven points for Meralco, which came a win short of claiming a franchise record of three straight leg championships.
Nonetheless, the runner-up finish was still worth P50,000 for the Bolts.
The two teams set up their third straight finals encounter by disposing of their respective semifinal opponents. The Bolts eliminated guest team MCFASolver Tech Centrale, 17-14, while the Triple Giga beat the Cavitex Braves, 21-16.
The Braves later clinched third place and the P30,000 prize money after defeating Tech Centrale, 21-13.
The Scores
Third place
Cavitex (21) – Galanza 7, Ighalo 6, Gonzaga 6, Doliguez 2.
MCFASolver (13) – Vigil 6, Ramirez 3, Tumalip 2, Andrada 2.
Finals
TNT (21) – Vosotros 7, Exciminiano 5, Torres 5, Saldua 4.
Meralco (18) – Manday 7, Sedurifa 5, Manlangit 3, Cachuela 3.
