Grindhouse-Pasig takes Leg Two of Chooks To Go 3X3
MANDALUYONG CITY – Grindhouse Kings-Pasig exacted sweet revenge on last week’s tormentors 1Bataan Risers to pocket the championship of the second leg of the inaugural Chooks To Go Pilipinas 3X3 President’s Cup, 21-8, Sunday at the SM Megamall. Joshua Munzon converted a two-pointer amidst the tight defense to end the contest early with still 1:27 to play and take home the top prize of PHP 100,000.00.
Grindhouse actually scored the game’s last four points after Anton Asistio gave the Risers their last taste of the lead, 18-17. Taylor Statham immediately equalized and a key defensive stop led to another basket from Dylan Ababou to put them within the cusp of taking the trophy.
“We watched the games again from the last leg and we made adjustments so we really prepared hard for this week,” said Munzon. “We will keep on working and keep getting better.”
The preseason champions began the road to their first regular season title with a sweep of the Zamboanga Valientes, 21-10, and Zark’s Burger-Quezon City, 21-12, in the eliminations. Grindhouse then had to overcome the tough challenge of a much-improved Vigan Baluarte Wolves in the semifinals, 20-19, wherein their defense in the final minute saved the day.
At first, it seemed that the Risers were well on their way to making it a back to back championship after they bulldozed past the Bulacan Kuyas and Max4 Birada-Cebu with similar 21-10 scores in the eliminations. They then ended the campaign of the Go For Gold-San Juan Knights in a bruising encounter, 21-15.
In the side events, Jan Jamon of the Valenzuela Classic dethroned last week’s champion Ababou in the Three-Point Shootout, 6-5. Joe Gomez de Liano jumped over two men including his younger brother Juan to rule the Slam Dunk Contest.
The next leg of the series will be at SM City Fairview on March 1. Until then, 10 other teams are expected to step up break the brewing duopoly of 1Bataan and Grindhouse.
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