Cebu City girls claim 3X3 National Championship

CEBU, Philippines — Team Cebu City won the championship of the girls division of the SBP Under 18 3X3 Pambansang Tatluhan Tuesday at the Robinson’s Place in Malate, Manila.

They trounced Region 6 (Bacolod City), 13-8, in the championship game to cap their roller coaster ride of a tournament.

The team, composed of Maih Archival, Fergie Ypilan, Ma. Daniella Alterado and Maxim Magbanua, weathered a slow start in the championship game before overcoming the same team that beat them by one, 9-8, in the classification phase. After a slow start, Team Cebu City fell behind 1-4 and couldn’t find its rhythm.

They were also called for three 12-second shot clock violations. They clawed their way back into the game tying it at 5-all on a two-pointer by Ypilan. With momentum on its side, all four players combined in a 6-0 run for a commanding 11-5 lead with two minutes left in the game, shutting down any chance of a Region 6 rally. Archival and Alterado had four points each to lead the team while Ypilan added three on top of clutch assists for timely baskets.

 Maxim Magbanua added two. For their win, the girls earned P50,000.

The team finished the classification phase in second place with a 2-1 record; its only loss at the hands of Region 6/Bacolod.

They nipped Region 10, 13-11, in the quarterfinal round, then overcame Region 1, 13-12, in the semifinals. Region 6 had an easier path to the finals, stopping Region NCR-South, 10-6 in the quarterfinals and NCR-North, 18-9.

Cebu City Councilor Dondon Hontiveros, who had a hand in sending the team to the tournament’s qualifier leg was ecstatic about their win.

“I am just proud of the girls and their coaches. It’s very rewarding considering what they went through sa Batang Pinoy. I am grateful to the mayor for giving them the support that they need and to the SBP as well for accommodating them during the regional finals. Together with our chairman Edward Hayco and Vice Chairman Chao Sy, we are proud of the team,” Hontiveros said.