GUEST team Platinum Karaoke struck gold in Leg 4 of the PBA 3x3 Season 2 Second Conference Sunday at Robinsons Malabon, ending a fruitless search dating to the inaugural season.
Owner of runner-up finishes in two legs and silver medal in two conference grand finals, Platinum finally hit the right notes and scored a coveted breakthrough via a gritty 13-12 clincher over Cavitex.
"It's been a long time coming," said coach Anton Altamirano, whose team placed second to Limitless in the First Conference Leg 2 and finale in the inaugural season and fell short anew in golden bids against TNT in the kickoff leg and Grand Finals of the current season's opening conference.
"Matagal na naming pinaghihirapan ito. We've gone through so many adversities and challenges but we've always believed in God's timing and today, God rewarded our hard work," he added.
TH Tumalip scored six points, including a clutch two-ball that led to a 13-10 cushion, while Brandon Bates netted four with four rebounds and two blocks and Nico Salva scored three in Platinum's biggest win in the league worth P100,000. Though scoreless, Yutien Andrada hauled down four rebounds and had two blocks and one steal in a strong defensive performance.
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On the way to the maiden title, Platinum knocked out old tormentor TNT in the quarterfinals, 13-12, and Leg 2 winner J&T Express in the semis, 15-13.
"We knew our quarterfinal would really be heavy so winning against TNT, who is like a 10-time champion, really gave us a boost (moving deeper)," said Salva.
Jorey Napoles paced Cavitex, which settled for the P50,000 second prize, with six markers, including a two-pointer that pulled the Braves back to within one at 13-12. The Braves had a chance to steal it in the last 40 seconds but Platinum's defense held firm.
Meanwhile, J&T took third place honors worth P30,000 after rallying past Blackwater Red President in overtime, 22-20.
The Express saved three match points and drew level on Keith Datu's alleyoop then turned to Robin Rono in the extension for the winning shot from the deep. (OL)
