Manila, Lubao fall in FIBA 3x3 Cebu Masters main draw openers

Nico Kaltenbrunner celebrates after his team scored a basket. FIBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

CEBU CITY--Manila Chooks and Lubao MCFASolver failed to complete a solid start and fell prey to their respective opponents as the main draw of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Cebu Masters commenced on Saturday at the SM Seaside City Activity Center.

Manila Chooks was the first to fall after suffering a 20-14 defeat to Vienna in Pool C action.

Manila was actually on course of a huge upset as the team raced to an 8-2 lead with 5:32 left.

However, Vienna responded with an 18-4 run to come to within game point.

Mac Tallo scored a late deuce for Manila, but time already run out on the team.

On the other hand, Lubao, fresh from sweeping the qualifying draw, let Miami slip away from the pack for a 22-15 win.

Lubao still led, 6-5, with 7:27 remaining, but it was all Miami from thereon, and former NBA player Jimmer Fredette scored the game-point, a two-pointer, with 2:27 left.

In the first pair of games, Manila Masters champion Ub Huishan NE began its quest to go 2-0 in the Philippines with a 21-16 win against Wuxi, while Amsterdam HiPro pipped San Juan, 19-12.

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