Gaco powers Azi and Tets to victory

Jerwin Gaco hit two free throws as Azi and Tets Travel Tours beat Yulz TMT, 21-19, in the final of the 3x3 Elite League Manila 2019 at the Market! Market! Mall in Taguig City.

The former PBA player nailed the game-winning free throws after his team trailed, 20-19, and powered his team to the championship as well as the $3,000 top prize in the tournament organized by Mediapro Asia in partnership with SINA Sports.

Azi and Tets Travel, which also has tournament MVP Dan Reducto, JR Cawaling and Joel Brokenbrough in its fold, secured an all-expenses-paid trip to Beijing for the SINA 3x3 Elite League 2019 where they will represent the Philippines against some of the top 3x3 teams in the world.

The Yulz TMT of Andrian Celada, Ken Acibar, Jeson Delfinado and Levi dela Cruz bagged second place and the $2,000 prize.

Zamboanga MLV 2 of Das Esa, Jon Rebollos, Ranimark Tano and Ferdinand Lusdoc beat Titan 8, 19-16, to bag third place and the $1,000 prize.

Organizers are happy with the turnout with 60 teams competing in this year’s event.

“This year, we’ve seen a lot more quality teams and we are happy with that,” said Mediapro director for marketing and sponsorship sales Salauddin Sulaiman Sinnakandu. “This is something that we want to continue. We want to expand it. I think the local organizers made such a great job in bringing in quality teams.

“This is a truly great experience for the local participants. They are really competitive and they are having a chance to compete with the best players in the world this year,” said SINA Sports manager of international business and strategic partnerships, Roger Zhang.