PBA 3x3 Season 3 gets going

MANILA, Philippines — After a two-month break, it’s back to the PBA 3x3 half-court wars for multi-titled TNT and 10 equally determined opponents.

The Triple Giga, winners of four straight conference championships, look to sustain the charge as they vie for the Season 3 Leg 1 honors beginning today at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.

TNT, however, won’t have reliable big man Lervin Flores, who was called up by the injury-hit Tropang Giga in 5-on-5, as well as top gun Almond Vosotros, who was listed as a reserve, for the opening leg.

Tasked to carry the fight for the Triple Giga are veterans Ping Exciminiano, Samboy de Leon and Gryann Mendoza, who will join forces this time with Matt Salem.

Seeded second in the conference-opener, TNT leads Pool B with Ken Bono-led San Miguel Beer, NorthPort and debuting guest team MCFASolver providing early challenge.

Top-seed Cavitex, represented by the tested core of Tonino Gonzaga, Jorey Napoles and Bong Galanza plus big man Marion Magat, headlines Pool A and dukes it out with Pioneer Elastoseal and Blackwater.

No. 3 Barangay Ginebra, parading a new-look squad composed of holdovers Ralph Salcedo and JJ Espanola in combo with newbies Nichole John Ubalde and Lean Vincent Martel, competes in Pool C with No. 4 Meralco, which retained its tested cast of Alfred Batino Joseph Sedurifa and Jeff Manday with JJ Manlangit, and darkhorses Terrafirma and Purefoods.

Games start at 10:30 a.m. with the teams racing for tickets to tomorrow’s quarterfinal stage.