Gryann Mendoza saved the day as he hit the game-winner to lift the TNT Tropang Giga over Platinum Karaoke, 17-15, for the Leg 1 title of the Philippine Basketball Association 3×3 Season 2 Second Conference on Sunday.
Mendoza nailed the winning deuce at the buzzer to cap the thrilling finish at Robinsons Place Antipolo.
Nico Salva earlier knotted the count at 15-all with seven seconds left, before Mendoza delivered in the clutch to help TNT secure the P100,000 prize money.
It was the second major victory by TNT against Platinum after winning the First Conference grand finals last week.
Platinum took home with the runner up purse of P50,000.
Despite playing undermanned, Barangay Ginebra salvaged a podium finish after a 21-13 stunner of Cavitex to take third place.
Donald Gumaru finished with 10 points for the Kings, who took home P30,000.
Vosotros again delivered for the Tropang Giga, who eliminated the Cavitex Braves, 20-19, in the semifinals.
The 32-year-old Vosotros had nine points and six rebounds in leading the team to the win just a week removed after TNT ruled the First Conference grand finals at the expense Platinum Karaoke.
Brandon Bates went 6-of-7 from the field for six points and seven rebounds as Platinum Karaoke downed Barangay Ginebra to earn another crack at TNT.
In the first round of the knockout stage, Cavitex toppled top seed J&T Express, 22-19, while Lervin Flores finished with 13 points and nine rebounds in the Tropang Giga’s thrilling 20-18 win over Purefoods TJ Titans.
Barangay Ginebra also extended its winning ways by upending San Miguel Beer, 19-18, behind the game-high 11 points of new recruit Ralph Cu.
Platinum Karaoke meanwhile, made short work of Terrafirma, 17-10.
