TNT reaches KO stage in 3x3

MANILA, Philippines — TNT blitzed into the quarterfinals of Leg 4 of the PBA 3x3 Third Conference after a dominant run in Pool D yesterday at Robinsons Novaliches.

Gunning for redemption after missing out on the semifinals in the last leg, the Almond Vosotros-led Tropang Giga walloped NorthPort, 22-15, and J&T Express, 22-17, to cruise to the KO rounds as Pool D No. 1.

J&T followed multi-titled TNT to today’s quarterfinals after rallying to a 17-16 overtime victory over the Batang Pier for a 1-1 record and the group’s second seeding.

Platinum Karaoke, runner-up in the previous leg, also posted a 2-0 sweep of Pool B rivals Terrafirma, 21-9, and Blackwater, 20-15, to easily advance.

Pioneer Elastoseal, meanwhile, secured the top spot in Pool A after taking down Leg 3 winner Barangay Ginebra, 21-14.

The Katibays, who earlier took an opening 16-14 loss to Purefoods, finished in a triple tie for first but carded the highest tiebreak points with 35 versus the Gin Kings’ 34 and the Titans’ 33.

The Gin Kings, who beat the Titans in the early sessions, 20-17, clinched No. 2 on the strength of a crucial two-pointer by Donald Gumaru in the setback to Pioneer.

Meralco and Cavitex booked the two tickets from Pool C after emerging Top 2 on tiebreak after a three-way logjam at 1-1 with 39 each versus the 38 of third-placer San Miguel Beer.

The Bolts leaned on their 21-19 victory over the Braves in the last game of the pool to seal their march and make up for an earlier 19-18 setback to the Beermen.