SWEET sweep.
Proving untouchable, Sista ripped guest team Pioneer Pro Tibay 20-13 last Sunday to bag the crown in the third leg of the PBA 3×3 Lakas Ng Tatlo at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Kenneth Mocon spearheaded the Super Sealers’ charge with nine points, while RJ Argamino and Prince Rivero chipped in six and four markers, respectively, as Sista completed an unbeaten campaign in six games.
The victory was worth P100,000 for the squad representing Rain or Shine that failed to reach the knockout stage during the maiden leg last week.
Super Sealers coach Juven Formacil referred to the championship as a ‘blessing.’
“I’m very proud of the guys,” Formacil said. “They’re all heart every game.”
Mocon and Argamino connived for the Super Sealers early on, hitting from the outside to give the team a 7-4 lead after trailing early. Pioneer Pro Tibay played catch-up the rest of the way and sealed its best finish in the tournament so far, settling for the runner-up purse of P50,000.
Sista topped Pool B with a 3-0 record, then beat Limitless in the quarterfinals 17-16 and Purefoods in the semis 19-15 to reach the Big Dance.
Pioneer emerged as the third best team in Pool A with a 2-2 record, then nipped fellow guest team Platinum Karaoke in the quarterfinals 21-19, and denied Terrafirma in the semis 16-15 to forge a title duel with the Super Sealers.
Pioneer is composed of Gian Abrigo, Carlo De Chavez, Carlo Escalambre, and Christian Rivera, with Lester Del Rosario as coach.
In the battle for third, Terrafirma salvaged the P30,000 prize purse by defeating Purefoods 21-16.
Matt Salem finished with a game-high 11 points to help the franchise achieve its best finish in the tournament.
