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MANILA – Franky Johnson hit the biggest shot of the game to propel Butuan City-Uling Roasters past Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors in an exciting final, 21-20, to rule the third stage of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 2020 President’s Cup.
Johnson missed for most of the game, but came to life in the crucial moments when his long ball over Jeckster Apinan gave Butuan City victory in nine minutes 42.6 seconds, Sunday night at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba Lagoon.
Despite Johnson’s difficulties, Butuan City still gave him the ball in the end with his team trailing 19-20 in the final 27 seconds.
He lost Apinan with a series of moves and then drilled the double that made Butuan City the second squad to win a match in the 3×3 pro league.
Johnson finished with six points, but it was Chico Lanete who kept the Uling Roasters afloat by scoring eight points on two baskets and bonuses.
“I always tell them, don’t doubt yourselves because we still have a chance,” Lanete said afterward. “We know that we can still recover and this is the result.”
Butuan City had a disappointing preseason but finished second in the first leg and reached the semi-finals in the second before finally breaking through in the third leg.
Chris De Chávez contributed four points while JR Alabanza contributed three of his own.
Uling Roasters remained uninjured in the group stage before breaking through Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes, 21-14 (7:53), in the quarterfinals and then defeating Bacolod-Master Sardines, 21-18 (6:43), in the semifinals.
For their efforts, they took home a prize of P100,000.
Pasig received the P30,000 award from the runner-up, who also achieved his best result.
Real estate agents also earned the distinction of kicking out big favorites from Zamboanga City-Family’s Brand Sardines. The squad, led by national team stars Alvin Pasaol and Joshua Munzon, dominated the preseason and won the first two games, but fell prey to a comeback by Pasig, who won 21-18 (8:09).
In the semifinals, they conquered the capitals of the city of Palayan, 21-9 (6:45).
Meanwhile, history was made in TM side events when Janus Lozada of Petra Cement-Roxas ZN hit all 10 shots to dominate the Two-Point Shootout.
At the Slam Dunk Contest, David Carlos defended his crown.
The fourth leg of the FIBA-backed 3×3 tournament begins on Tuesday.
