PENANG, MALAYSIA – Top Filipino team Cebu Chooks’ campaign at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 Penang Challenger came to a halt by bowing to heavyweight Princeton of the United States, 22-17, in quarterfinal play Sunday at the Queensbay Mall. Top seed Liman Huishan NE of Serbia defeated another American entry NY Harlem for the title, 22-9, with both finalists earning slots to the Paris Masters next month.
The Filipinos jumped to a 5-0 start behind the reliable duo of Mark Jayven Tallo and Brandon Ramirez but Princeton came fighting back and turned the match into a seesaw affair. Tallo gave Cebu its last lead on a two-point shot, 16-14, but Princeton countered with four straight baskets and pull ahead for good, 18-16.
Ramirez put up one final threat with a basket, 17-18, but Princeton’s march into the semifinals was not to be denied. Kareem Maddox hit two free throws and Canyon Barry abbreviated the win with a two-pointer at the 2:22 mark.
Cebu Chooks officially finished in Eighth Place in the 16-team field. They split their group stage matches Saturday by defeated Zavkhan MMC Energy, 18-15, and then lost to Liman, 21-9.
Also part of Cebu Chooks were veteran Zachary Huang and 3×3 neophyte Vince Tolentino. Up next for the team is the Chooks To Go Standalone International Quest at Ayala Malls Solenad in Santa Rosa City this September 16 where they will be joined by fellow Filipino entries Manila Chooks and Butuan Chooks against visitors from Mongolia, Japan and Australia.
The champion will earn a ticket to the Cebu Masters set for October 1 and 2 at SM Seaside City Cebu. The runner-up will take part in the qualifying round.
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