TNT Tropa show way in 3x3

MANILA, Philippines — TNT fended off the tough challenge of its Pool A rivals to lead the march to the quarterfinals of the PBA 3x3 Season 2 First Conference Leg 2 yesterday at the Robinsons Place Novaliches Trade Hall.

Ping Exciminiano banged in nine points while Almond Vosotros hit the game winner in a five-point output as Leg 1 ruler TNT defeated Purefoods in overtime, 22-21, to start things off.

Exciminiano, Vosotros, Samboy de Leon and Lervin Flores then beat the Cavitex Braves, 17-13, to complete their group sweep for top position.

The three teams that finished next to the triumphant Tropang Giga in last week’s opening stop also went two-for-two in the other groups and progressed.

Leg 1 runner-up Tonino Gonzaga, Alfred Batino, Leo de Vera and Ken Mocon of Meralco won over San Miguel Beer, 19-14, and NorthPort, 16-15, to emerge the No. 1 quarterfinalist from Pool B.

TH Tumalip, Yves Sazon, Nico Salva and debuting Fil-Aussie Brandon Bates of Leg 1 third-placer Platinum are also through after sweeping Pool C opponents Barangay Ginebra, 20-18, and Pioneer Elastoseal, 16-14.

Leg 1 fourth placer and newcomer J&T, composed of Joseph Sedurifa, Keith Datu, Marvin Hayes and Jeron Teng, edged Blackwater Red President, 19-18, and Terrafirma, 17-13, in Pool D.

Cavitex (Pool A), SMB (Pool B), Pioneer  (Pool C) and Blackwater (Pool D) secured the four other Last-8 tickets after finishing second in their groups with 1-1.

The Braves posted a 19-16 victory over the Titans (0-2) while the Beermen routed the Batang Pier, 21-11, to get their cushions.

Pioneer and Blackwater Red President, meanwhile, needed to score pulsating victories in their last pool assignments against Ginebra, 14-13, and Terrafirma, 21-19, respectively, to catch the last bus to today’s KO rounds.