MANILA, Philippines — TNT and Purefoods swept their respective pool assignments to lead the early march of quarterfinalists in the opening leg of the PBA 3x3 Third Conference yesterday at Robinsons Magnolia.
Tropang Giga crew Almond Vosotros, Samboy de Leon, Ping Exciminiano and Gryann Mendoza brought out the broom in Pool A, beating Zamboanga, 21-16, Terrafirma, 21-12, and Barangay Ginebra, 21-15, to get through.
Gin Kings Leo de Vera, Denice Villamor, Martin Gozum and Mikey Cabahug, who earlier defeated the Dyip, 21-20, and the Valientes, 21-13, also advanced as the group’s No. 2 with 2-1.
The Titans, meanwhile, went 3-0 to top Pool C. Joseph Eriobu, Pao Javelona, Jun Bonsubre and Jed Mendoza dispatched Cavitex, 21-19, and Master Sardines, 21-19, before scoring a 19-18 escape act over new-look Limitless App.
Eriobu nailed a free throw in the dying seconds as Purefoods fended off the rally of the Appmasters (1-1) to stay clean.
Limitless, with a new combo of Southeast Asian Games bronze medalists Jorey Napoles and Reymar Caduyac and 3x3 debutants Nico Salva and Alfrancis Tamsi, booked their victory over Master, 21-16. The Appmasters are tied at 1-1 with the Braves, 21-12 winner over the Fishing Champs. They will dispute a quarters ticket in their pool duel today.
Meralco took care of its opening slate, 21-8 over Sista, to show the way in Pool B. The Super Sealers are 1-1, gaining from their 18-16 verdict over Second Conference titlist Pioneer Pro Tibay.
The Pro Tibay are in a must-win game against the Bolts today to get a chance to progress.
Meanwhile, Platinum Karaoke and San Miguel Beer put a lock on the top 2 in Pool D with victories over NorthPort, 21-13, and 21-18, respectively. They contest the No. 1 spot in the elims wrap-up today.