Kuala Lumpur, Maurice Lacroix rule Pilipinas United 3x3; David Licauco's team reaches QF

Malaysian team Kuala Lumpur and Japan-based squad Maurice Lacroix made history by ruling the inaugural Pilipinas United 3x3 League on Sunday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Kuala Lumpur clinched the men’s division title after defeating Half Court Group, 21-15. Most Valuable Player Ting Chun Hong scored seven points, including the game-winning putback that capped off their dream run.

Chang Zi Fueng also contributed seven points, helping Kuala Lumpur secure the US$5,000 cash prize and a slot in the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger.

Half Court Group, as the top local finisher, earned a berth in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger.

En route to the championship, Kuala Lumpur beat Taho Story B, 21-18, in the semifinals; SBB, 21-16, in the quarterfinals; and Dame DOLLA, 21-13, in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, David Licauco’s squad, Taho Story A, reached the quarterfinals before falling to Half Court Group, 21-14. Prior to that, they defeated Activate Sports, 18-12. Half Court Group also edged Solaris, 20-17, in the semifinals.

In the women’s division, Maurice Lacroix edged Uratex Dream, 15-13, in a tightly contested final.

Midori Murayama led the team with five points, while women’s division MVP Naoko Honda sealed the win with a clutch jumper at the 1:32 mark to make it 14-12. Maurice Lacroix went on to claim the US$3,000 cash prize.

Earlier, the Japan-based squad defeated Gilas Pilipinas U23, 11–9, in the semifinals and Jumpshot, 17–10, in the quarterfinals.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News