TNT continues to set the gold standard in PBA 3×3, clinching the Season 3 First Conference title with an 18-14 victory over CAVITEX on Sunday at the Ayala Malls Market! Market!
Almond Vosotros secured the game-winning shot with 44.0 seconds remaining, propelling the Triple Giga to their fifth consecutive conference victory. This winning streak dates back to the Season 1 Third Conference in July 2022, where they emerged victorious against Purefoods.
Vosotros’ clutch shot also preserved the efforts of Gryann Mendoza, who orchestrated a comeback from a 12-7 deficit with under five minutes left on the clock. This surge was particularly crucial as CAVITEX initially appeared to have the upper hand against their fellow MVP ball club.
TNT earned P750,000 for their triumph over CAVITEX, who entered the Grand Finals as the top seed after winning two out of the conference’s six legs.
“Until the promised reward is given to us. Until the promise has been fulfilled, we won’t stop winning,” stated head coach Mau Belen, expressing hope that their continued dominance will eventually lead the entire TNT team to represent Gilas Pilipinas 3×3.
(C) PBA Images
Gryann Mendoza led the Triple Giga with 10 points, primarily from four two-pointers. Vosotros contributed seven points, five rebounds, and six assists.
Meanwhile, big man Lervin Flores added three points and secured a game-high seven rebounds, with Samboy de Leon chipping in one point.
Seeded second entering the Grand Finals, TNT overcame Blackwater in the quarterfinals with a score of 21-17, before managing a late surge to defeat Ginebra in the semifinals, 21-16.
Although these challenging matches took a toll on their energy, Mendoza ignited late and led a 10-3 run, propelling TNT to a 17-15 advantage with 2:22 remaining. The game was tied twice more, but the momentum was already in favor of the Triple Giga. Flores broke the 18-all deadlock with an inside bucket, and Vosotros sealed the victory once again with a clutch shot from the wing.
Belen asserted, “If you want real talk, my team is the best team. My players are the best players. I have the best staff. We have the most, the best supportive management and organization.
“I mean, would these guys work doubly hard if walang suporta ‘yan ng management? I mean sila lang, gusto lang nila maging ganyan kagaling? No. Unless that promise is fulfilled, we’re just gonna keep on winning,” she added.
Dominick Fajardo led the Braves with seven points and six rebounds. Jorey Napoles contributed six points, while Bong Galanza added five in the defeat. The Braves settled for the P250,000 runner-up prize.
Meanwhile, Meralco secured a third-place finish by defeating Ginebra, 18-14.
The Bolts claimed the P100,000 prize money for their achievement.
