Zoos Tokyo defend Manila Hustle 3x3 title; Gilas 3x3 Women cop bronze

Japan's Zoos Tokyo once again ruled Manila Hustle 3x3 as it defeated Panthers 3x3 of Spain, 17-13, in the tournament's Season 3 finals Sunday at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

MVP Ama Degbeon led Zoos to a 6-2 start before Maya Tahira delivered the knockout blow at 1:50 to make it a 15-9 affair before cruising onto the victory.

"This year was a lot different but I think we’re still the same Zoos team. Same team, same philosophy,” said Degbeon. She, along with Miran Kikuchi and Fatoumanana Nishi won a cash prize of USD4000 and an invite to WKBL Triple Jam later this year.

The Panthers, meanwhile, will bring home USD2500.

Degbeon, along with Panthers' Saicha Grant-Allen and Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Women's Camille Clarin formed the Mythical Three.

Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Women, meanwhile, copped bronze after a 20-12 clipping of Tokyo BB. Clarin had 11 points in the third place game.

“Considering that this is our first tournament of the year and we made it to the podium means that it’s a great start for us,” said the NU standout. Jhaz Joson, Hazelle Yam, and Mikka Cacho were also part of the said Gilas team which got USD1500.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News