Beermen clinch first PBA 3x3 title

MANILA, Philippines, March 7 ------ San Miguel Beer, the PBA’s winningest franchise, finally made its mark in the PBA 3x3 as it ruled the Second Conference Leg 2 yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Spitfire Jeff Manday sizzled with 13 points spiked by five two-point baskets to power the Beermen to a 21-15 victory over fellow first-time finalist Barangay Ginebra.

Coach Boycie Zamar’s crew of Manday, veteran Bacon Austria and new additions Ken Bono and Mon Rogado hit paydirt after previously placing no higher than fourth in the three-a-side cagefest that started last November. “Ang tagal naming hinintay ito,” said Austria. “We stayed the course lang. We got new players in Ken and Mon. Ang laking tulong talaga nila. Nagsipag lang kami sa practices and nagtiwala sa isa’t isa.”

The feat was worth P100,000 for SMB, the newest member of the winners’ circle after two-leg victors Limitless and TNT and one-leg rulers Meralco, Sista Super Sealers and Purefoods TJ Titans. The Gin Kings’ bid for a breakthrough plum was stymied by the ankle sprain sustained by Jayson David in the semis.

Source: philstar.com