TNT, MCFASolver, Meralco advance

MANILA, Philippines — TNT started its return-to-the-top mission with a bang, posting a clean 2-0 in Pool A to make the quarterfinals of Leg 3 of the PBA 3x3 Season 3 Third Conference yesterday at Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces.

The Triple Giga, out to regain their status as the gold standard after two disappointing seventh-place finishes in the conference, flexed their muscles against Leg 2 winner MCFASolver, 21-10, and Purefoods, 20-13, in the elims.

Gryann Mendoza, who was reinserted into the roster after gunner Almond Vosotros got sick, formed TNT’s 1-2 punch with Chester Saldua in demolishing their two pool rivals. Mendoza and Saldua combined for 13 against the Tech Centrale and tallied 16 versus the Titans.

The Tech Centrale (1-1) avoided early elimination by rallying past the Titans, 21-18. Louie Vigil and TH Tumalip joined forces in a 7-2 closing barrage to steal the crucial victory that ensured MCFASolver’s entry in today’s knockout rounds as Pool A’s No. 2 qualifier.

Meralco and Pioneer Elastoseal hurdled their first two assignments to secure their Last-8 berths with a game to spare in Pools B and C, respectively.

The Bolts’ Joseph Sedurifa, Alfred Batino, Jeff Manday and JJ Manlangit ushered in the opening day with a 21-16 victory over San Miguel Beer then closed it with a 22-13 drubbing of Ginebra.

The Katibays edged Cavitex, 19-18, and followed up with a 21-12 romp over NorthPort to progress.