CHOOKS-to-Go Pilipinas successfully held its 3×3 Invitational tournament on Wednesday in Pampanga, with Manila HeiHei claiming the title.
Led by Mac Tallo, the Manila squad defeated the Pasig Kingpins in the finals, 21-6, with still 5:19 to spare, to emerge as the champion of the one-day tournament held at the Laus Events Center in San Fernando.
Mr. Tallo, a second-generation professional basketball player, tallied 13 points in the championship game. He jump-started things for his team, scoring seven of their first eight points to take a commanding 8-1 lead.
They would not be threatened after en route to the huge win.
Zach Huang finished with five points for Manila, with Cameroonian Mike Nzeusseu adding two points and veteran Chico Lanete one point.
For Pasig, it was Toba Eugene who led with three points, with Ryan and Nikki Monteclaro and Jaypee Belencion adding a point each.
Essen Immunoboost Sarangani finished third.
“Happy that this tournament happened,” said Manila head trainer Aldin Ayo as the team is set to compete in the 2021 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters on Oct. 29.
“I hope that they were able to get the confidence and the rhythm they need. It’s important that we simulate the actual situations and we can’t do that in practice,” he added.
For winning the invitational tournament, Manila took home the P100,000 top prize.
The tournament was held under strict health and safety protocols. It was regulated by the Games and Amusements Board and endorsed by FIBA 3×3 as well as supported by Gatorade, Chooks!, Uling Roasters, and Adobo Connection.
It marked the return of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas after a one-year hiatus because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo