SMB opens PBA 3x3 title defense with twin wins; Meralco, Limitless still spotless in Leg 3

The San Miguel Beermen 3x3 squad opened its title defense with wins over Terrafirma and Master Sardines in the Leg 3 opener of the PBA 3x3 second conference on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen, however, dropped its game against Platinum Karaoke, 19-18, to wind up second in Pool A, which is currently being led by TNT Tropang Giga. The Mau Belen-mentored TNT squad won all of its three games against Platinum Karaoke (21-20), Master Sardines (22-18), and Terrafirma 3x3 (21-18).

SMB ruled Leg 2 after taking down sister team Ginebra in their championship clash last weekend.

In Pool B, the Meralco Bolts were unstoppable after picking up wins against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (21-18) and the Cavitex Braves (22-10).

Meralco now leads their pool followed by Cavitex and Ginebra, who both had an even 1-1 card in the opening day, while the Purefoods TJ Titans are at the last spot with a 0-2 card.

The Limitless Appmasters, the grand champion in the first conference, also wrapped up the Saturday showing with an unblemished 2-0 record after escaping Pioneer Pro Tibay (21-6) and Sista Super Sealers (20-13).

Limitless is atop Pool C followed by Sista and Pioneer, both are boasting a 1-1 card. The NorthPort Batang Pier are in fourth after failing to grab wins against Sista and Pioneer.

The preliminary round continues on Sunday, which will then be followed by the playoff round.

—JMB, GMA News