CALAMBA, LAGUNA – Struggling in the first two legs of the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup powered by TM, Sarangani turned things around in Leg 3, sweeping Pool A, Sunday at the INSPIRE Academy here.
After taking down Big Boss Cement-Porac 21-15 (9:07.5) earlier in the day, Pamboy Raymundo lifted the Marlins to a 21-19 (9:39) escape of Pasig-Sta. Lucia.
Down 17-18, the guard out of San Sebastian scored on an and-one play to gain the advantage. JC Escalambre followed this up with a basket of his own to send Sarangani to matchpoint.
Though Cedrick Ablaza was able to get one back, Raymundo did not allow a comeback to happen, scoring on an up-and-under to seal the win.
Raymundo had nine points in the contest.
“Slow start ulit kami pero nung nakita namin na five points na yung lamang nila. Hindi na kami tumigil, sa awa ng diyos nananalo,” said Paul Sanga, who added five markers for Sarangani.
The Marlins did not make the quarterfinals in the first leg and bowed to Butuan in Leg 2’s quarters, 17-21, in this tournament sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board and endorsed by FIBA 3X3.
Pasig and Porac are facing off in a do-or-die game as of publishing.
Palayan City, on the other hand, stayed alive in Pool D after a dominant 21-12 (5:25) pounding of Petra Cement-Roxas.
JP Sarao had seven points in the contest while Bobby Balucanag added four points, sending Roxas to its fifth straight loss.
Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes MLV and Bacolod Master’s Sardines clinched their respective tickets to the next round as well.
A dagger deuce by RR De Leon sent Zamboanga Peninsula’s sister team Pagadian City Rocky Sports packing, 21-18 (6:47), in Pool B.
Bacolod, meanwhile, dealt Bicol-PAXFUL 3×3 Pro its second loss after a 21-15 (7:33) triumph. Robin Rono and Robin Rono had eight and six points, respectively, combining for six deuces.
Besides the Pasig-Porac game, three more pool phase games, the knockout rounds, and the TM side events are still taking place.
