Tonino Gonzaga lifts SMB past Pioneer Elastoseal for PBA 3x3 Leg 1 title

Tonino Gonzaga delivered in the clutch as San Miguel squeaked past Pioneer Elastoseal in come-from-behind fashion, 21-17,  to bag the Leg 1 championship of the PBA 3x3 Third Conference Season 2 on Sunday at the Robinson’s Novaliches.

Gonzaga, who previously suited up for for Meralco, scored three straight deuces to rally the Beermen and help his team claim the P100,000 prize money. Gonzaga drilled six straight points after San Miguel trailed by two, 15-17, late in the game. 

He finished with nine points and seven rebounds for the Beermen while Ken Bono chipped in eight  markers and six boards. 

Pioneer got a combined 13 points from new recruits Kenneth Mocon and Denice Villamor as the team settled for the bridesmaid finish and P50,000. 

Earlier, Cavitex claimed the bronze after defeating multi-titled TNT, 16-14. 

The Scores:

Third place game
Cavitex (16) – Napoles 5, Fajardo 5, Saldua 5, Galanza 1.

TNT (14) – De Leon 6, Exciminiano 4, Flores 3, Mendoza 1.

Finals
San Miguel (21) – Gonzaga 9, Bono 8, Bayla 3, De Vera 1.

Pioneer Elastoseal (17) – Mocon 7, Villamor 6, Abrigo 2, Morido 2.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News