Zamboanga ousts Butuan to clinch Chooks 3×3 Leg 4 title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Aiming to regain supremacy after falling in a shocker during the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 President’s Cup powered by TM, the heavy favorites Family’s Brand Sardines Zamboanga City prevailed over the Leg 3 champs Butuan City, 21-20, to claim the title in Leg 4.

The country’s top 3×3 hoopers put on the early work to overwhelm Butuan with their chemistry and offensive prowess.

Joshua Munzon, PH’s number one 3×3 player, took matters into his own hands to put Zamboanga in a comfortable position after scoring nine early points.

However, veteran Chris De Chavez was quick to create his own scoring run to regain momentum to Butuan’s side.

Things got interesting in the last three minutes of the championship game as Munzon was able to connect on a long-ball to help Zamboanga take the lead and a basket away from the title, 20-16.

Not giving up, De Chavez mounted a comeback all on his own after draining back-to-back two-pointers to place the game into a deadlock, 20-all.

Munzon called for an isolation play in the ensuing possession but missed his shot attempt.

Fortunately, Santi Santillan managed to grab the offensive rebound and earned a trip to the freethrow line after being fouled. Santillan calmly sank the game-winning free throw to help his team grab 100,000 pesos and the Leg 4 title.