TNT thwarts Meralco Bolts, claims PBA 3x3 Season 2 First Conference title

THE TNT Tropang Giga showcased its veteran moxie to take down the Meralco Bolts in overtime, 21-19, and win the opening leg crown of the PBA 3x3 Season 2 First Conference on Sept. 11 at Robinsons Place Antipolo.

Samboy De Leon and Chris Exciminiano came up with critical plays in the extra period, scoring the winning points for the Tropang Giga to bring home the top prize worth P100,000.

It was the sixth leg championship for TNT overall dating back to the opening season.

Meralco guard Tonino Gonzaga sent the game into overtime with a clutch deuce for a 19-19 count with a second left to play in the tightly fought finals. Almond Vosotros then missed a potential game-winning two at the buzzer.

The Bolts got six points each from Gonzaga and Alfred Batino as they settled for the P50,000 prize money.

Platinum Karaoke salvaged a podium finish by defeating J&T in a low-scoring game, 12-10, during the battle for third.

The Tropang Giga proved to be a tough nut to crack against a highly inspired Express side in the semis, scoring an 18-15 win behind the game-high of 11 by guard Almond Vosotros.

Until running to TNT, the Express were on a roll that saw the rookie franchise bring down giants Purefoods and San Miguel in the pool play, and then bundled out NorthPort in the quarterfinals, 19-13.

TNT ousted Blackwater Red President in the quarterfinals, 18-16.

The Bolts meanwhile, turned back Purefoods, 16-11, in the first round of the knockout stage, before hacking out an 18-16 semis win against Platinum Karaoke to seal the title showdown with the Tropang Giga.