By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Malaysian team Kuala Lumpur won the inaugural Pilipinas United 3×3 League men’s title after beating local team Half Court Group, 21-15, on Sunday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
MVP Ting Chun Hong and Chang Zi Fueng scored seven points each for the Malaysians, who earned the USD5,000 top prize and a ticket to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Kaohsiung Challenger in October.
Chester Saldua finished with nine points for Half Court Group, which played minus Adeshokan Odou, who sustained a knee injury during the game they won over Solaris, 20-17, in the semifinal.
Half Court Group, which received US$2,500, also secured a slot in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Manila Challenger in September.
Kuala Lumpur defeated Taho Story B (21-18) in the semis, SBB (21-16) in the quarterfinal, and Dame DOLLA Vietnam (21-13) in the round of 16.
In the women’s division, Maurice Lacroix of Japan defeated Uratex Dream, 15-13, to claim the title and USD3,000 in cash.
Uratex, represented by Gilas Pilipinas U23 players, settled for USD1,500. Maurice Lacroix downed Jumpshot, 17-10, in the quarterfinal and Uratex, 11-9, in the semis.
Meanwhile, Team Motivated of Rendon Labador nipped Team Malupiton, 11-10, in the celebrity exhibition match.
Patrick Jamison ruled the Two-Point Shootout, while Richard McCalop Jr. won the Dunk Contest. (PNA)
