SHORT in personnel but not in heart, Meralco proved it could get the job done in the PBA 3×3 third conference leg 2 yesterday.
Dexter Maiquez sank the game-winning two-pointer that lifted the Bolts to a come-from-behind 18-17 overtime decision over Cavitex for the crown at the Robinsons Place Las Piñas.
With only three players available due to injuries to Maclean Sabellina, who suited up briefly before hurting his knee, and Tonino Gonzaga, the trio of Maiquez, Alfred Batino, and Joseph Sedurifa charged back from five points down and forced extension as Meralco took home the P100,000 grand prize.
Batino and Sedurifa fired seven points apiece for the Bolts, who annexed their third leg title in three conferences and redeemed themselves from losing to Ginebra in the semifinals of the last leg.
Maiquez and Sabellina also combined for four points for Meralco, which ruled leg 2 of the inaugural conference and leg 4 of the second conference.
“Sacrifice lang talaga. Humugot kami ng lakas sa isa’t isa,” Maiquez was quoted as saying in the PBA 3×3 website.
Prince Rivero scored seven points for the Braves, while Bong Galanza and Dominic Fajardo had six and three, respectively.
Along with Tzaddy Rangel, Cavitex settled for P50,000.
Ginebra nipped Terrafirma in the battle for third 20-19 to win P30,000.
Meralco advanced to its sixth finals stint after bringing down leg 1 champion TNT in the quarters 18-17 and the Kings, leg 1 bridesmaids, in the semis 19-15.
Cavitex stunned Limitless App in overtime 21-10 in the quarters and whipped Terrafirma 22-11 in the semis. — Michael Jugado
