Wilcon Depot off to impressive PBA 3x3 debut

Keith Datu's Wilcon Depot began its PBA 3x3 journey with a bang. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Wilcon Depot introduced itself to the PBA 3x3 with quite an impression after going 3-0 right at the start of the new season on Monday at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.

Wilcon, consisting of Ael Banal, TH Tumalip, Keith Datu, and Yutien Andrada, turned back CAVITEX, 18-16, in their league debut before edging Purefoods, 18-13, and San Miguel 21-16, later in the day to sweep Pool B play.

Ginebra, on the other hand, also went 3-0 to top Pool C.

Ginebra reached game point on two occasions and ripped NorthPort, 21-11, and Terrafirma, 22-12.

Only the Meralco Bolts kept the Gin Kings from going for the finish, but the latter still prevailed, 16-12.

Pasig TNT, fresh from a semifinal finish in the FIBA 3x3 Penang Challenger, topped the three-club Pool A through its own 2-0 sweep.

The Triple Giga beat the Blackwater Bossing, 20-17, in the opening game of the leg before outlasting the Pioneer Katibays, 13-11.

In the other games, Terrafirma fell to Meralco, 13-19, but bounced back with a 21-15 win over NorthPort, Pioneer pipped Blackwater, 15-14, and SMB trounced Purefoods, 20-17, only to bow to CAVITEX, 13-16.

Wilcon, Ginebra, Pasig TNT, and Pioneer (1-1) return on Tuesday for the playoffs, while the last four quarterfinal berths would be filled after the Purefoods-CAVITEX and NorthPort-Meralco games.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno