TERRENCE Romeo had another personal showcase as he retained his Three-Point Shootout crown to kick off the 2016 All-Star Weekend festivities of the Philippine Basketball Association with a bang at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.
The GlobalPort superstar bested challengers Nino Canaleta of Mahindra and RJ Jazul of Alaska as he scored 20 points in the final round to take home his second straight Three-Point Contest crown and show that his shooting is legit.
Canaleta and Jazul only managed 17 points, apiece, in the last round, allowing Romeo, who is also set to start for the North All-Stars in the All-Star Game tomorrow, to continue his reign as the king from beyond the arc.
The three snipers advanced after impressive runs in the opening round.
In the first round, Romeo already reminded everyone why he’s the defending champion as he scorched hot with 24 points, but Canaleta did one better, sizzling for 25 points to lead the pack.
Jazul was likewise on fire right from the first round, scoring 22, to make it in the final phase.
Unlike the first round, Canaleta and Jazul were unable to fully find their touch.
James Yap, Jeff Chan, Alex Cabagnot, Jayjay Helterbrand, Almond Vosotros, Garvo Lanete, Simon Enciso, Troy Rosario and Jared Dillinger were the others who tried to dethrone Romeo.
In the Obstacle Challenge, Rain or Shine’s Maverick Ahanmisi was crowned the new champion after he clocked in the best time in the final round, 32.95 seconds.
The cast of the final round was composed of Ahanmisi, Carlo Lastimosa (34.11), Mark Cruz (36.9), Mark Barroca (45.23), Paolo Taha (46.11), and Scottie Thompson (49.38).
Defending champion Jeric Fortuna was ousted right away in the first round by Lastimosa as each of the 12 competitors battled one-on-one against another protagonist with the faster player getting a ticket in the finals.
Other participants were Chris Banchero, Chris Newsome, Emman Monfort, Brian Heruela and Jai Reyes.
Game Sunday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. – North All-Stars vs. South All-Stars