Balanga takes first leg of Chooks 3x3 Magiting Cup

Alvin Pasaol deep in meditative state.

The third tournament of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 commenced last Sunday at the SM Clark Events Center, with Wilkins Balanga claiming the first leg in dramatic fashion.

With memories of the Patriot's Cup finale 36 days ago still fresh, the Pure avenged that defeat in similar fashion against Phenom-Basilan-CTC Construction, claiming the 21-20 victory over the Steel.

Knotted at 20-all with 54 seconds left, Troy Rike had a clean hook shot underneath, but the ball only went halfway in before rolling out. With Balanga getting a new lease in life after the miss, Alvin Pasaol would make sure to take full advantage.

The burly forward powered his way to the paint against Franky Johnson, then throws up a wild shot with 40.6 seconds left to snatch the victory.

Pasaol shared afterwards, "Kinabahan ako. Tumigil yung mundo ko nun. Siguro bwenas na lang kami." He adds, "Sobrang saya na nakabawi pero isang tournament lang ito. Yung championship talaga yung goal namin. Sana magtuloy tuloy."

The match reflected the physicality and intensity 3x3 basketball is all about, with Leonard Santillan incurring a cut above his right eyebrow and Davon Potts suffering a busted lip.

About getting the cut, Santillan says, "Gusto ko bumalik. Buti naagapan kagad. Iniisip ko yung last conference kasi wala ako nung Grand Finals nun. Yun yung motivation."

Potts made an impressive debut in 3x3 for Basilan, securing the game clinchers for the Steel against SOGO-Vigan in the quarterfinals, 21-14, and Mindoro-7A in the semifinals, 21-13.

Balanga easily took care of things against Zamboanga-MLV in the quarterfinals, 21-9, before needing a two-pointer from Chris de Chavez to fend off rivals Pasig-Equaliver, 22-19.

The side events saw David Carlos claim the Coca-Cola Slam Dunk contest, while Mindoro's Rodel Vaygan topped the Coca-Cola Two-point shootout. Both guys received PhP 10,000 for their efforts.

The second leg of the Magiting Cup will take place on Friday, September 6, and will act as a prelude to the Chooks-to-Go Manila Challenger, which takes place on September 7-8.

The Scores:

Wilkins Balanga 21 - Pasaol 10, Dehesa 5, Santillan 3, De Chavez 2.

Phenom Basilan 20 - Johnson 9, Potts 6, Rike 4, Dionisio 1.