J&T finally pulls one over TNT

MANILA, Philippines — J&T Express finally broke the stranglehold of TNT, scoring a 21-19 finals thriller to reign supreme in Leg 2 of the PBA 3x3 Season 2 Second Conference yesterday at Robinsons Malabon.

Joseph Sedurifa hit two big-time two-pointers in the stretch to seal the milestone for J&T after getting frustrated by the Tropang Giga in two previous faceoffs for a leg title.

Sedurifa topscored with eight while Keith Datu and veteran Marvin Hayes added seven and six markers, respectively, and Robin Rono did his share via hustle plays and defense as J&T became the first guest team to top a leg in the league.

“Lagi naming iniisip, every single game, every single day, let’s just get better. Makukuha din natin ito, we just have to stick together,” said J&T coach Ryan Monteclaro. “Over the last two days, the players have responded well and sabi nga namin, ‘sa atin na ito.’ And we claimed it.”

J&T banked P100,000 as it ended the winning streak of TNT.

Prior to this leg, the Tropang Giga ruled Legs 5 and 6 and the Grand Finals of the Season 2 First Conference as well as Leg 1 of the Second Conference.

This time, the Almond Vosotros-led TNT settled for second place and went home with P50,000. Vosotros forced a 19-all count on back-to-back layups and a deuce but failed to complete the job as Sedurifa beat him to the draw in draining the winner from deep.

Meanwhile, Cavitex beat Barangay Ginebra in the battle for third, 16-12, and netted P30,000.