Munzon’s heroics make Zamboanga 3x3 king

MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Munzon drained the P1 million shot as Family’s Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City survived feisty Nueva Ecija, 22-19, yesterday to emerge the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President’s Cup champion at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

After Alvin Pasaol missed two potential title-clinching foul shots, Munzon proved why he’s the best player in the league, stepping up to the plate and burying the two-pointer that sealed the title, the P1 million prize and a spot to the Doha Masters next month.

“I was comfortable when I took that shot. I felt good,” said Munzon, whose team downed Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors, 21-16, in the semifinals.

Those missed foul shots by Pasaol almost cost Zamboanga the crown.

But Gab Banal missed a potential game-winner from the arc that paved the way for Munzon to deliver the biggest shot of the tournament.

“He (Banal) missed it and I made mine. The result speaks for itself,” said Munzon.

The final day effort capped what had been a dominating tournament for Zamboanga, winner of three of four preliminary legs.

Munzon, Pasaol, Santi Santillan and Troy Rike won P350,000 in the initial legs.

The Rice Vanguards didn’t go home empty handed, pocketing the P300,000 prize for second placers.

Prior to the finale, a fight nearly broke out between Banal and second seed Uling Roasters-Butuan City’s Chris de Chavez after the former’s team edged the latter’s squad, 20-19, in the semis.

But the proverbial cooler heads prevailed.

Riding the crest of its shock semis win, Nueva Ecija stuck close with Zamboanga but Munzon put some separation after he drained a deuce to make it a 20-16 count.

The diminutive but big-hearted Jai Reyes scored three straight points as Nueva Ecija narrowed down the gap to 19-20.

But Zamboanga just won’t be denied.