SAN FERNANDO. – Wish granted.
On the lookout for competitive matches, Manila Chooks TM coach Aldin Ayo was pleased his charges got the much-needed exposure Wednesday in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 Invitational at the Laus Group Events Centre here.
“I am satisfied because all the participants were competitive, especially in our game against Cebu because we really want to play against bigger guys,” Ayo said.
“Cebu had two foreigners and it gave us a challenge,” he added.
Composed of Manila Chooks TM players Mac Tallo, Chico Lanete, Zach Huang, and Cameroonian Mike Harry Nzeusseu, fancied Manila HeiHei ripped Pasig 21-6 to bag the crown in the final.
Tallo scattered 13 points on five two-pointers, including the title-clinching deuce with 4:41 left, as Manila took home P100,000 (additional P10,000 as the game was the fastest to finish) in the tilt endorsed by FIBA 3×3, regulated by the Games and Amusements Board, and supported by TM, Wilson Basketball, Homegrown Grains, and Adam Ezli.
Huang chipped in five markers, while Lanete and Nzeusseu combined for three points.
HeiHei Manila zoomed to an 8-1 start on a Tallo two-pointer early and led by as much as 16-4 on Tallo free throw, only 5:11 left.
Manila Chooks TM is set to do battle in the 2021 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters from October 29-30.
The one-day tourney that featured seven imports toughened up Manila Chooks TM that will also have Mark Yee and Dennis Santos as reserves.
