SMB seeks 2nd PBA 3x3 title

MANILA, Philippines — After joining the winners’ circle, San Miguel Beer trains its sights on back-to-back as the PBA 3x3 Season 2 First Conference Leg 5 fires off today at Robinsons Place Novaliches.

The Beermen retained the crew of Jeff Manday, Wendell Comboy, Raffy Verano and Ken Bono as they seek a follow-up to their Leg 4 triumph capped by a dramatic 22-20 overtime escape act over TNT last week.

SMB vies in Pool A with Cavitex, the Leg 2 conqueror, and Blackwater as group rivals.

The Braves, represented by Dominick Fajardo, Jorey Napoles, Bong Galanza and comebacking Chester Saldua, are as determined to become a two-leg winner like Leg 1 victor TNT and Leg 3 ruler Meralco.

TNT reactivated Samboy de Leon and Ping Exciminiano to join Almond Vosotros and Lervin Flores as they compete in Pool B versus NorthPort and Barangay Ginebra.

No. 3 Meralco called in Ken Mocon and Tonino Gonzaga to join Alfred Batino and Joseph Manlangit in duking it out in Pool C with Pioneer and Terrafirma. – Olmin Leyba

Fourth seed Platinum Karaoke, composed of Raphael Banal, TH Tumalip, Yutien Andrada and returning Yves Sazon, campaigns against J&T Express and Purefoods TJ Titans in Pool D.

Group action starts at 11 a.m. with the Beermen facing the Red President.

After the 12 matches of Day 1, the Top 2 finishers in each group move forward to the knockout rounds set tomorrow.