Franky Johnson hit the mark when it mattered the most as he swished a long two-pointer to give Butuan City-Uling Roasters a thrilling 21-20 victory over Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors in the finals of the third leg of the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup powered by TM on Sunday, October 25, at the INSPIRE Academy in Laguna.
Misfiring for most of the finals, Johnson stepped up and canned a two-pointer over the leech-like defense of Pasig’s Jeckster Apinan to give Butuan City the win to complete their unbeaten run through the third leg. The victory netted Butuan City the whopping cash prize of P100,000.
The shifty shooter wound up with six points, but wouldn’t have gotten that chance if not for Chico Lanete who flashed his vintage form and drilled in eight points, including two basket and bonuses.
“Sinasabi ko sa kanila lagi, wag niyo i-doubt yung sarili niyo kasi may chance pa tayo,” Lañete said. “Alam naman naming pwedeng-pwede pa kaming bumawi at ito na nga yung resulta.”
Chris De Chavez contributed four points while JR Alabanza chipped in three markers of his own.
Pasig City received P30,000 for its runner-up finish. Pasig was also responsible for booting out title-favorites Zamboanga City, 21-18, in the quarterfinals. Zamboanga City held an 18-10 lead but shockingly crumbled down the stretch to get denied the chance to win a third straight title.
The fourth leg of this competition will commence on Tuesday, October 27.