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| 3x3 EXE Premier takes home US$20,000 for winning the first-ever Super Quest in 3x3. Chooks-To-Go Pilipinas |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANDALUYONG--3x3 EXE Premier completely spoiled the Filipino party after beating 1Bataan, 22-20, in the championship game of the Chooks-To-Go-FIBA 3x3 Asia-Pacific Super Quest at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall on Sunday.
Keita Suzuki scored the game-winning deuce as the Japanese squad came back to repeat its pool stage dominance over the Balanga-based side.
The Risers thought they were on their way to ruling the tournament after leading by five, 18-13, with 2:34 remaining.
But Peter Perunovic began the "Mission Impossible" by scoring five of EXE Premier's next six points to cut the lead down to one, 20-19.
Santi Santillan then made a huge error when he was called for a technical foul for delay of game, and Suzuki sank the technical free throw to tie the game, 20-all, with 51.9 seconds to play.
Santillan tried to bounce back and finally finish off EXE, but his deuce was no avail and Suzuki completed the turnaround with a tough long tom with 33 seconds left.
Perunovic and Tomoyo Ochiai each made six markers for EXE Premier, which claimed US$20,000 for the championship.
Alvin Pasaol, who sparked 1Bataan's breakaway attempt, made seven points.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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