Shinjuku of Japan completed a dominant campaign in the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3, overpowering an undermanned Uratex Dream squad, 21–8, in the final on Sunday at SM Seaside City.
The Japanese club wasted no time asserting control in the championship match, racing to a blistering 9–0 start behind Esther Ibeh and Yumi Takakuwa.
Takakuwa, a former Uratex Dream import, delivered six points while Ibeh anchored the effort with seven points and five rebounds en route to being named MVP of this tournament presented by Uratex, Smart Sports, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“I’m very happy that we got the win and I got to show my skill,” said Ibeh, who also admitted it was her first time playing 3×3 basketball.
(C) Cebu Hustle 3×3
Mizuno Naho added four points, while Milai Mori sealed the title with a corner two-pointer with 1:31 left, as Shinjuku capped a flawless run from the group stage to the championship.
Earlier, Shinjuku topped Pool A in Day 1 before eliminating fellow Japanese side Maurice Lacroix, 14–9, in the quarterfinals, and surviving a tight 21–19 semifinal battle against CT of Thailand.
Uratex Dream settled for second place despite a depleted lineup in the final, finishing with only three players after losing Angel Surada in their hard-fought semifinal win over Pilipinas Aguilas.
Li Renzhu carried the fight with four points, including a key jumper that opened the scoring for the Philippine side late in the game, while Kaye Pingol added three as they earned the runner-up purse of $2,000.
CT Tigers secured third place after edging Pilipinas Aguilas, 15–12, in the battle for bronze.
Kiri Endo led the way with six points and four assists, including a crucial late jumper, while also winning the Two-Point Shootout to help her squad claim the $1,000 prize.
Ibeh was joined in the Mythical Three by Uratex Dream’s Li and CT Tigers’ Endo.
(C) Cebu Hustle 3×3
Three Philippine teams made a strong statement on opening day, with Uratex Dream, Pilipinas Aguilas, and Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 all topping their respective groups.
Uratex Dream survived a tense Pool B campaign, edging Maurice Lacroix 15–13 in overtime before overpowering CT Tigers 21–13 behind the interior presence of Li.
Pilipinas Aguilas went 2–0 in Pool play, scraping past Jumpshot of Singapore 12–10 before Camille Malagar buried a late two-pointer to complete another 12–10 win over Shoot It Dragons of Thailand.
Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 impressed with a 21–13 win over UP Cebu and a 14–12 overtime victory against EST Jersey of Malaysia, with Jam Meniano and Amyah Espanol delivering in key moments.
Shinjuku also stamped its class in the group stage, securing a quarterfinal bye after a 17–13 win over TOL Patriots and a 21–0 rout of Move Liloan.
