San Miguel and Pioneer Pro Tibay topped their respective groups to clinch berths in the sudden-death round of the PBA 3×3 Lakas Ng Tatlo grand finals on Wednesday (Dec. 29) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Pioneer came out undefeated in Pool B with a 2-0 record, while the Beermen emerged with the highest accumulated points in Pool A as the two teams joined outright quarterfinalists Meralco, TNT, Limitless App, and Platinum Karaoke in the Final Eight of the first conference finale.
Pioneer turned back Barangay Ginebra, 21-16, before edging out the Titans in overtime, 22-20, behind the game-winning basket of Carlo De Chavez.
The Titans (1-1) ousted Barangay Ginebra Kings (0-2) for the no. 2 spot in their group.
The Beermen on the other hand, lost to Terrafirma Dyip, 21-17, but bounced back with a 21-15 win over Leg 3 winner Sista Super Sealers.
All three teams ended up with similar 1-1 records, but the Beermen and Dyip booked the two quarterfinals berth in their group for having the highest accumulated total points.
The quarterfinal pairings will have top seed Meralco playing Terrafirma, and no. 2 TNT battling Purefoods.
No. 3 ranked Limitless App faces San Miguel, while Pioneer Pro Tibay takes on no. 4 Platinum Karaoke in a battle between two guest teams.
All four sudden-death games are still being played as of press time. (PBA) – bny
