Gilas Pilipinas Women and Army Altama open their respective campaigns against each other at Manila Hustle 3×3 Season 2 this weekend at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The two teams, which figured in last year’s championship, were slotted in a loaded Pool C as the Philippine women’s 3×3 international invitational, presented by Uratex and Smart, tips off at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Lady Macbeth Riots, spearheaded by MVP Kacey dela Rosa, emerged as the inaugural champions yet this year, the Nationals are coming in with a brand new crew led by Camille Clarin, Mikka Cacho, Monique del Carmen, and Tin Cayabyab.
“We’re looking to build a good foundation based on players coming into the program and preparing for long-term tournaments,” said Clarin.
On the other hand, Army has kept its core intact, with Camille Sambile, Soc Borja, and Mar Prado to be joined by Love Joy Sto. Domingo-Candelario and Vangie Soriano.
Also part of that loaded Pool C will be Zoos Tokyo, led by world no. 25 Aoi Katsura and Germany’s no. 3 Ama Degbeon, and Shoot It Dragons of Thailand.
But the toughest group is certainly in Pool D.
Uratex Dream, captained by Kaye Pingol and Chinese import Renzhu Li, will have its hands full against Titans which has Jhazmin Joson, Trina Guytingco, Thai star Supavadee “Bo” Kunchuan, and Japanese phenom Lina Nakazawa; the Kim Dunarang-led Dinoman Hansol of Korea; and Royals Basketball of Australia.
Uratex Tibay, buoyed by Spanish sensation Ari Geli and veteran Afril Bernardino, spearhead Pool A which also includes the tough Japanese crew Tokyo Dime, Bluefire LPG, and Jumpshot of Singapore.
Discovery Perlas, leaning on former UAAP MVPs Allana Lim and Grace Irebu, banner Pool B where they are grouped with Unicle of Korea, Owls.EXE of Japan, and Shiv Nadar School of India.
The top team from each pool will earn automatic quarterfinal slots, while the second and third-ranked teams will play in the round of 16 of this tilt which has the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as official technical partner, Seiko Prospex as official timekeeper, and B’lue as official hydration partner.
Awaiting the champion is the $3,000 cash prize, with the runner-up taking home $2,000 and the third placer $1,000.
Manila Hustle 3×3 Season 3 is sponsored by Titan, Wilson, Green Cross, Secret Fresh, BDO, Laurin CocoMCT, Peloton Workforce, Senka, Pinesbel Manufacturing, Tsubaki, IFern, Evercool Radiator, Home Suite Furniture, and Quality Corrugated Box Manufacturing, and Aquaflask.
The tournament will also be streamed live for free and open to all networks on the Smart Livestream app, with Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas as official media partners.