CEBU Chooks outdueled Sansar MMC Energy in a thrilling finale, 17-15, to rule the Chooks-to-Go International Basketball Federation (Fiba) 3×3 Asia Pacific Super Quest on Saturday night at the Ayala Malls Solenad Activity Center in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The Philippines’ top-ranked 3×3 player Mac Tallo led the assault with eight points, none bigger than his two-pointer from the left corner that changed the game’s complexion as it gave his side the 15-14 advantage.
The 28-year-old Cebuano hit the dagger with 1:16 left that settled the final count as the opposition could not find the mark.
Cebu and its Mongolian counterparts are headed to the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters set May 28 and 29 at SM Megamall.
Mike Harry Nzesseu provided seven points, while tireless workhorse Zach Huang chipped in two points that also netted them $10,000 by lording over the Level 8 FIBA 3×3 tournament.
Cebu Chooks became the first Philippine team in a long while to win a gold medal in the FIBA 3×3 Pro Circuit—since the all-pro Manila West defeated Doha to conquer the World Tour Manila Masters in 2014.
Enkhbaatar Onolbaatar finished with nine points to lead Sansar, which couldn’t solve the Cebu puzzle as they lost to the same team in the pool stage.
Anand Ariunbold backed him up with four points, while Sukhbat Batzorig and Gansukh Avarzed scored one each in the defeat.
Sansar brought home $5,000.