They may be new in the sport. But team members of the Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors will be ready for a tougher battle when the Pilipinas 3×3 Grand Finals gets going today, October 30.
In the third leg, the Realtors reached the finals with an upset win over Family Brand Sardines-Zamboanga, 21-18, and Palayan City, 21-9, at the Inspire Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
Then, they bowed to Uling Roasters-Butuan in a close game, 20-21, in the finals.
“Naii-scout kami ng mga teams. Kailangan ay ipakita namin ang best namin,” said Realtors skipper Cedrick Ablaza in a huddle with scribes on Zoom
Because of their performance in the third leg, the Realtors earned the fourth seed in the Grand Finals.
Family’s Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City Chooks and Uling Roasters-Butuan City emerged as the top two seeds in the tournament, while Nueva Ecija earned the third seeding.
“Bukas, grabe na ang intensity ng mga laro. Expect namin ito,” said Japs Bautista, who has developed a chemistry with the team since he and Ablaza have been teammates while in college.
The Realtor are now waiting for the winners in the four knockout bouts involving Big Boss Cement-Porac MSC Green Gorillas and Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes.
Matchups will then follow between Palayan City Capitals and MLV Pagadian Rocky Sports , Sarangani Marlins and Petra Cement-Roxas ZN Rockies, and Bacolod-Master Sardines and Bicol Paxful 3×3 Pro.
“Challenge talaga ang mga susunod na laro. Dahil lahat ng mga teams, gustong makuha iyung P1-million grand prize.
The quarterfinals, semifinals, and Finals will still be elimination matches with the best of the best taking home the title of top 3×3 team in the Philippines.