CEBU CITY. – Hometown fans came in droves last Saturday in high spirits and fervently wished Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 teams to complete their mission impossible.
They went home dejected.
Ranged against some of the world’s top squads, Manila Chooks and Cebu Chooks fell in their bids in the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3×3 World Tour Cebu Masters at the SM Seaside City here.
Cebu dropped a painful 14-21 loss to world No. 18 Omaha 3BALL in their knockout main draw duel for a quarterfinals slot, while Manila absorbed a 16-21 defeat to Doha QSC in the qualifying draw.
Chooks’ campaign in the highest level of 3×3 play was in stark contrast to its stint in the Manila Masters where both quartets advanced to the quarterfinals last May in Parañaque.
Malik Hluchoweckyj showed the way for Omaha with nine points, while Trey Bardsley and Dylan Travis added five markers each.
Mitch Hahn added two points for the US side, which atoned for a 14-18 setback at the hands of Pool A top seed Antwerp of Belgium in their group phase match.
Cebu also lost to the Belgians, ranked third in the world, 11-16.
Mike Harry Nzeusseu paced Cebu against Omaha with eight points and six rebounds, while Mac Tallo and Brandon Ramirez chipped three markers apiece.
Manila gave the Philippines its lone victory in the biggest FIBA 3×3 tilt in the Queen City of the South via a 21-17 decision over India’s Ludhiana.
The quarterfinals were being played at press time Sunday.
The champion of maximum level tourney will take home $40,000, with the runner-up pocketing $30,000.
Also last Saturday, a ceremony was held to honor Chooks playing coach Chico Lanete for his service to the country and 3×3 program led by Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas.
“Chico is really who I consider a hero for his service his country. Marami siyang pinasaya as a pro player. In the twilight of his career, sinigurado niya na pagsilbihan ang ating bayan,” Mascariñas said.
“Kahit 43 na siya, lumaban pa rin siya para sa atin. On behalf of our organization, maraming salamat, Coach Chico.”
The firm gifted Lanete a Chooks-to-Go store for life.
A native of Ormoc City, Leyte, Lanete, turned emotional in the bittersweet moment with his wife and kids.
“Speechless ako. Maraming salamat boss Ronald for the opportunity. Maraming salamat sa pagsuporta ninyo sa amin. Hindi ninyo iniwan iyong family ko,” he said.
