Purefoods dethrones Meralco to capture PBA 3×3 Leg 4 title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Purefoods Titans are finally in the winning column after outlasting the defending champion Meralco Bolts, 21-16, during the grand finals of the PBA 3×3 Leg 4.

It was one of the most physical finals games in all the four championship matches of the tournament since the first leg as the quartet of Paolo Javelona, JunJun Bonsubre, Joseph Eriobu, and Jed Mendoza battled the veteran Meralco squad with all their might.

Javelona played his best game of the tournament after top-scoring the game with 10 points including the silencer shot that broke the deadlock at 15-all.

It was also Javelona who carried the Purefoods offense in the clutch moments of the game as the former National University superstar scored three straight points to put them ahead with 1:50 left in the game.

Eriobu and Mendoza also contributed big time in the much-needed win as the one-two punch held Purefoods’ paint and contested every shot that Meralco attempted underneath.

“I’m just happy for the boys. Yung hard work nila na-reward this time sa fourth leg. Hopefully, ma-sustain namin yung energy na binibigay namin every game,” said head coach Tony Boy Espinosa.

Meanwhile, veteran Tonino Gonzaga led Meralco with five points but failed to unleash the magic they had in the past legs of the tournament.