TNT tweaked its lineup once again by bringing in seasoned big man Chris Javier for the fifth leg of the inaugural PBA 3×3 season.
The 6-foot-5 bruiser took the place of Martin Gozum as the Tropang Giga maxed out its substitution for the conference in this level five FIBA 3×3 tournament since losing Jeremiah Gray.
Gozum was the initial replacement for the injured Fil-American star. The 6-foot-2 guard saw action in the previous leg, where they finished at third.
Javier immediately saw action Saturday, making his debut in the halfcourt competitions after being part of the Tropa last Philippine Cup.
He has been with the Tropa since 2020, but nearly parted ways with them last week had it not been for a revision in the trade with Blackwater.
Sista, however, gave him a rude welcome. The third leg champions came from behind and dealt them a 22-17 defeat to start their campaign.
Led by RJ Argamino, Sista overcame a six-point deficit by unloading 11 consecutive points for 16-11 lead, and never looked back from there.
Argamino and fellow young gun Kenneth Mocon each made seven points. Prince Rivero made six markers, as Leo De Vera added two.
Samboy de Leon led TNT with eight points as Javier went scoreless.
Sista now shares leadership of Pool C with Platinum Karaoke as both squads are sporting similar 1-0 cards.
It was the eighth match of Day 1 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, with eight more set to be played later as the pool stage continues.
Earlier, Purefoods emerged as the early leader of Pool A as it scored wins over NorthPort (21-19) and the struggling Zamboanga (21-6).
Another win versus Pioneer ProTibay later at 1:00 p.m. would clinch the Titans a seat in the quarterfinals tomorrow for a chance to repeat as champs.
Meralco, meanwhile, finished its day atop Pool B at 2-0 after escaping both Ginebra (19-18) and CAVITEX (21-19.
The Scores:
Sista 22 – Argamino 7, Mocon 7, Rivero 6, De Vera 2.
TNT 17 – Vosotros 8, De Leon 6, Flores 3, Javier 0.
