Roxas ZN stuns Sarangani in opening round of President's Cup Grand Final play

Roxas ZN celebrate.

The randomness of a "win or go home" was in full display at the play-in games at the Grand Final of the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup powered by TM on Friday.

Petra Cement-Roxas ZN, who entered the Grand Final without a win in the previous four legs, pulled off a 21-17 victory over Sarangani to earn a spot in the quarterfinals.

With the game tied at 17, Janus Lozada scored back-to-back baskets to establish a two-point lead. Nikki Monteclaro then completed the upset by converting a line drive, top-of-the-arc two-pointer with just over fifty seconds remaining.

Gian Abrigo, who scored six points in the victory, shared afterwards, "Inisip lang namin yung mga talo namin nung Leg One to Leg Four. Natuto kami dun. Para sa amin talaga siguro ito. Yun talaga, sacrifice lang at collective effort."

They will have to deal with third seed Nueva Ecija in the quarterfinals.

Dylan Ababou led Big Boss Cement-Porac to a 21-14 victory over Zamboanga Peninsula MLV, needing almost seven minutes to score thirteen points. The Green Gorillas will have the tough task of dealing with heavy favorites Zamboanga City next.

Completing the quarterfinalists are Palayan City and Bacolod.

Bobby Balucanag outscored Pagadian City-Rocky Sports by himself with his eight points, as the Capitals easily took care of business in just over 6.5 minutes, 21-7.

With ten markers, Anton Asistio matched the output of Bicol-Paxful 3x3 Pro, while Alfred Batino added six more for the Masters Sardines-backed quartet's 21-10 win in just under six minuted.

Palayan City will face Pasig-Sta. Lucia, while Bacolod goes up against Uling Roasters-Butuan City.

The last two teams standings will have the right to play in the "Million Peso Game" later today.

Also scheduled to take place are the two TM side events: the Slam Dunk Contest and the Two-Point Shootout.