Ryan Monteclaro was blazing for Big Boss Cement-Porac as it finally broke through and topped Phenom-Basilan CTC Construction, 21-14, to claim the fifth leg of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 MelMac Cup Saturday at Gold’s Gym Sheridan in Mandaluyong.
The former Adamson stalwart was a man on a mission, burying five deuces — including the game-winning long bomb with 3:06 remaining to steer the Builders to their first championship in the tourney, which is also presented by Coca-Cola and Gold’s Gym.
“‘Di namin ito in-expect,” said Monteclaro, the 29th-ranked 3×3 player in the country. “Ngayon, nagkaroon ulit kami ng chance and fortunately, nag-click kaming lahat.”
Third time’s truly the charm for the Gilbert Cruz-owned team after finishing as runner-up to Pasig Chooks in the finals of legs three and four, becoming only the second squad to win the crown.
It was also an emotional victory for Monteclaro, who was celebrating what would have been the 59th birthday of his late father Resty.
“Para kay daddy ito,” he said.
Ford Ruaya also added four points in the triumph for Big Boss Cement-Porac as it took home the P100,000 cash prize.
It wasn’t easy, though, as the Builders had to exorcise their demons and escape Pasig Chooks, 21-20, in the semis just to reach the championship game anew.
“Pinaghirapan talaga namin, and we just took advantage of the opportunity kasi lagi na lang Pasig at Balanga,” said Monteclaro.
Phenom-Basilan CTC Construction settled for a bridesmaid’s finish and took home P30,000 in its first finals appearance.
Pasig took home the P20,000 for finishing third.
In the women’s division, Janine Pontejos also caught fire for Ever Bilena to take the 21-9 victory over Team X.
Pontejos buried five long bombs as she outscored their opponents, 11 to nine to steer her side to its fifth straight title and take home the P20,000 prize.
Pasig’s Franky Johnson also gained a consolation of his own, ruling the Chooks-to-Go Harissa Roast Two-Point Shootout to bag the P10,000 prize. Fatima-B’s Ylyssa Eufemiano took home second, pocketing P3,000.
