Meralco denies TNT of PBA 3×3 Grand Slam

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Meralco Bolts were once again the kryptonite to the TNT Tropang Giga after denying them of a PBA 3×3 Grand Slam last February 19, 2024.

With a Grand Slam achievement on the line, the Bolts played major spoilers to the Tropang Giga after outlasting them in the grand finals of the PBA 3×3 Season 3, 21-17, held at the Ayala Malls Glorietta.

Veteran big man bruiser Joseph Sedurifa answered the call for Meralco and dominated the championship game with eight big points.

After learning about their past mistakes against the Tropang Giga, the Bolts made an emphasis of attacking TNT’s interior to establish early quick points.

It was Sedurifa who gave them the quick spark, scoring most of his buckets from the shaded lane while also converting on several put-back layups off an offensive rebound.

Also stepping up for the Bolts was unsung hero JJ Manlangit who formed an unexpected 1-2 punch with Sedurifa.

Known to be a stabilizer for the Bolts, Manlangit’s offensive game clicked at the most perfect time for Meralco, especially against their arch nemesis, the Tropang Giga.

Manlangit wrapped up his final game of the PBA 3×3 Season 3 with seven points while also helping Meralco take home the 750,000-pesos grand prize.

Negrense Jeff Manday, Meralco’s offensive juggernaut, was only limited to a point built from a 1/7 shooting from the field but made it up in the playmaking department.