J&T pulled off a mighty comeback and stunned TNT, 21-20, to clinch the final leg championship of the PBA 3×3 Third Conference Season 2 Sunday at Robinsons Place Manila.
Joseph Sedurifa knocked in 10 points for the Express, including four straight to cap a closing 8-0 run and complete the upset against the multi-titled Tropang Giga.
The team of coach Ryan Monteclaro bagged the top prize of P100,000 as the victory serves as a big morale booster to the Express’ campaign in next week’s grand finals.
For a while, the Express appeared doomed as the Tropang Giga moved on the hill, 20-13, on two free throws by Luis Villegas with 3:50 to play.
But suddenly, J&T found its rhythm as Sedurifa scored on a layup to spark the Express’ scoring run.
Sedurifa’s deuce with 2:29 to go closed the team within 20-19, before hitting another two 17 seconds later for the game winner.
Robert Datu added five, and Robin Rono and veteran Marvin Hayes each had three in a balance scoring for J&T, which now evened its finals duel with TNT at 2-2.
Lervin Flores led the obviously stunned Tropang Giga with seven points and four rebounds, while Almond Vosotros, the league’s undefeated scoring champion, was held to just six points.
TNT claimed P50,000 for the runner-up finish.
Meralco beat Cavitex for third place, 20-17, to take the consolation prize of P30,000.
Diminutive guard Jeff Manday finished with 10 points to show the way for the Bolts.
