Oftana new 3-point King

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — TNT’s Calvin Oftana’s career is really on an upward trajectory. From PBA champion to Asian Games gold medalist, Oftana now owns the title PBA Three-point King.

The sniper out of San Beda delivered a sizzling performance in the Three-Point Shootout for Guards championship round to dethrone holder Paul Lee of Magnolia, 25-20, in an exciting skills contest serving as appetizer for today’s All Star Game.

“It’s a blessing na nakuha ‘yung three-point championship ngayon,” said Oftana after achieving the feat with his wife and baby watching from the stands at the University of St. La Salle here.

“Pero still more room to improve. Marami pang mintis so kailangan pa magtrabaho,” he was quick to add.

Getting his turn after Lee already shot 20 and Meralco’s Chris Newsome scored 15, Oftana started the finale with two straight misses but gradually heated up and found his rhythm.

By the time he converted the three-point ball and reached 18 points, the crowd, including Lee himself, started to cheer Oftana on. He overtook Lee by making the first three balls of the fourth rack and put the finishing touches in the fifth and last rack to a warm applause.

The TNT wingman went to governor and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas to celebrate his victory as only the third from the franchise to win the accolade after Jimmy Alapag and Renren Ritualo. He also denied Lee’s bid to join Jasper Ocampo, Boyet Fernandez, Mark Macapagal and Terrence Romeo in the ranks of back-to-back champs.

“Siguro nag-init lang sa finals,” said Oftana, who netted P30,000. 

Meralco’s Raymond Almazan and NorthPor’s JM Calma also had their shining moments in the Three-Point Shootout Big Men edition and Obstacle Challenge, respectively.

With his son sitting in the baseline and watching with nervous interest, Almazan scored 19 points in the championship round, beating NLEX’ Dave Marcelo (16), Blackwater’s Christian David (15) and Terrafirma’s Isaac Go (13).

Almazan earned P30,000 for ruling the event, which was held in lieu of the traditional Slam Dunk contest.

Sophomore Calma, meanwhile, negotiated the obstacles in 26 seconds to defeat Rain or Shine’s Leonard Santillan (29 seconds) and Magnolia’s James Laput (30) for the crown vacated by Marcelo following his first-round exit. Calma also banked P30,000.