FANCIED TNT has proven it can hack it even without main man Almond Vostros in its title-winning run in Leg 1 last week.
With Vosotros now back in harness, the Triple Giga will be hard-pressed to repeat when they launch their drive today in Leg 2 of the PBA 3×3 Season 3 Second Conference at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.
The many-time scoring champion, Vosotros, 33, was relegated to the reserve list during last week’s opening leg. Despite that, the telecommunication franchise didn’t lose a single step and claimed the P100,000 worth title after carving out an 18-16 win over Cavitex in the final.
Curiously, Gryann Mendoza, who stepped up and delivered in Vosotros’ absence, has been made a reserve by coach Mau Belen this time, along with Samboy De Leon.
Teaming up with Vosotros in TNT’s bid for back-to-back title wins are Ping Exciminiano, Matt Salem, and Chester Saldua, who will make his debut with the team.
TNT is bracketed with the Purefoods TJ Titans and Blackwater Smooth Razors in Pool A.
The Triple Giga face the Smooth Razor at 11:20 a.m. in the third of 13 matches in Day 1 of pool play.
The Braves retained the core of Jorey Napoles, Tonino Gonzaga, Marion Magat, and Kenneth Ighalo as they try to get back against TNT, which also beat them for the First Conference championship last July.
The Cavitex squad of tactician Kyles Lao leads Pool B together with Ginebra, San Miguel, and the Pioneer Elastoseal Katibays.
Third placer Meralco, handled by Patrick Fran, also returns with the quartet of Alfred Batino, Joseph Sedurifa, Jeff Manday, and JJ Manlangit to lead Pool C that also includes Northport, Terrafirma 3×3, and guest team MCFASolver.
The Kings, led by First Conference holdovers Ralph Salcedo and John Espanola, open hostilities at 10:30 a.m. against John Apacible and the San Miguel Beermen.
Eight teams–two from Pool A and three from each in Pool B and C–are going to advance in the knockout stage tomorrow, where a prize money of P100,000 awaits the champion.
