TNT pulls off escape act in PBA 3x3

MANILA, Philippines — Top seed TNT put the finishing touches to a stellar run in the PBA 3x3 Third Conference by clinching the coveted championship last night at the Robinsons Place Manila.

And the Tropang Giga did it in style, rallying from a 19-15 deficit in regulation and hitting the golden two-pointer in overtime in an epic comeback against finals rival Purefoods, 21-19.

Gryan Mendoza, who started the gutsy endgame fightback with back-to-back baskets, completed his heroics with a booming deuce off a pass by Almond Vosotros to steal the title and the P750,000 purse for the Tropang Giga.

Mendoza topscored for TNT with eight in the clincher while Vosotros shot five against the tough defense of Purefoods. Samboy de Leon and Lervin Flores added four apiece as TNT annexed the top plum of the conference after winning the first, third and fourth legs.

“Grabe ang pinakitang puso ng players ko. Last 1:30 we’re down by four, Purefoods (was) two points away from winning the championship. We just didn’t give up. This is the type of team we have,” said an emotional TNT coach Mau Belen.

Marvin Hayes and Joseph Eriobu each produced six for the Titans, who failed to close it out and repeat their victory over TNT in last week’s Leg 6.

Hayes, Eriobu, Jed Mendoza and Jun Bonsubre settled for second place and P250,000.

Sista Super Sealers completed the podium finishers after edging San Miguel Beer in the third-place match, 21-20, for P100,000.