San Miguel, Blackwater, Cavitex and TNT claimed the first four quarterfinal berths in Leg 4 of the Philippine Basketball Association 3×3 Season 3 Monday at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay.
The Beermen went off to a 2-0 start in Pool B with victories over Cavitex, 22-17, and Northport, 21-16, to advance in the knockout stage of the Second Conference for the very first time.
In the first three legs, San Miguel finished eighth twice and 11th last week.
TNT, for its part, swept its Pool A assignments to take the top seed and remain on track for a fourth straight title this conference.
Taking advantage of the last-minute entry of leading scorer Almond Vosotros, who replaced the ailing Chester Saldua in the roster, the Tropang Giga turned back Blackwater Smooth Razor, 19-17, and whipped Terrafirma, 21-14, for a 2-0 record at the end of their campaign in the pool stage.
Blackwater, meanwhile, scored a 21-14 win over the Dyip to even its slate at 1-1 and take the remaining quarterfinals ticket in its group, while shutting the door close on Terrafirma’s bid.
Cavitex also made it to the next round with a 2-1 record in Pool B.
The Braves won over Purefoods, 21-18, and Northport, 21-14, with their lone loss being dealt by the Beermen.
The four other berths to the knockout stage set on Tuesday are still being disputed as of press time.
A prize money of P100,000 awaits the leg champion, while P50,000 and P30,000 will be given to the runner-up and third placer, respectively.
