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| They got the job done. |
The 15th-ranked team in the World buckled down to business and eked out a 21-20 win over Phenom-Basilan Steel CTC Construction in front of a packed crowd at the SM City Fairview Events Center, securing the PhP 100,000 that comes with the title.
Kiran Shastri showcased why he is the best shooter in the tournament, knocking down the long 2 to move past the Steel and steal the win with 3:36 remaining. The Chaminade alum actually a deuce attempt before that, but Bikramjit Gill managed to secure the rebound and found him again open. This time, he made sure he'd nail this one.
Kiran shared after the game, "It was a hard fought tournament. Really excited to be here. It was a good win for us and we’re really proud of the way we played."
He also credited Basilan for their performance in the final, and adds, "Our opponents were great and we just tried to win."
Franky Johnson came out firing in the final, scoring twelve of Basilan's first sixteen points, allowing the Steel to hold a 16-13 lead with 5:13 left.
Delhi would answer with their own 5-0 run anchored on Bikramjit and newcomer Amjyot Gill to take an 18-16 lead.
Marcus Hammonds did manage to tie things up at 18 with 4:10 remaining, but Inderbir Gill retook the lead at 19-18 with a layup.
Roosevelt Adams did manage to retake the lead once again for Basilan with 3:57 remaining after a corner deuce with 3:57 remaining on the clock, setting the table for the Shastri's heroics.
Securing the win on the final leg allows both finalists to make a move atop the standings once the third leg takes place on July 6 at SM Muntinlupa, having secured a tally of 160 points, just ten behind Gold's Gym-Pasig, who has 170 points.
Pasig is set to miss the third leg, as they will participate in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Poitiers Challenger in France that same day.
This is the first leg in the history of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 that did not feature the top-ranked Filipino team in the final, as they were upset by Basilan in the semifinals, 20-18, allowing the Steel to avenge their loss to them in the final of the first leg in Cebu.
Delhi booked their seat in the final with a 22-15 victory over Wilkins-Balanga with just over 100 seconds remaining in this one. This was a matchup that featured a little bit of color and intensity, as warranted with both sides having played top-caliber 3x3 competition.
Balanga is fourth in the standings with 130 points.
Shastri managed to keep his Shootout title with in a shoot-off against Jan Jamon of Inoza-Gulf Bulacan, 6-5, while David Carlos remains the Slam Dunk titleholder after defeating Jebb Bulawan and Obi Fly.
The Scores:
VetHealth-Delhi 21 - Shastri 8, Gill A. 7, Gill K 4, Gill I 2.
Phenom-Basilan 20 - Johnson 12, Adams 4, Hammonds 4, Rike 0.
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