THE Doha QSC gave Manila Chooks the boot as they prevailed, 21-16, in the winner-take-all game of the qualifying draw of the Chooks-to-Go 3x3 Cebu Masters on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the SM Seaside City Cebu Mountain Wing.
Mohamed Abdelkawy sank the game-winning two-pointer that sank Manila Chooks and send Doha QSC to the main draw where they will join Pool D, which has Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, Lausanne Sport SUI.
With Dejan Janjić hitting his stride from beyond the arc, Doha zoomed in front, 14-8. They remained in front, 19-14, after shots by Abdou Khadre Diop. Manila Chooks pulled to within three, 16-19, after a basket and a free-throw by Henry Iloka. But on the next play, Abdelkawy was left wide open from the wing and he promptly sank the game-ending two-pointer.
Janjić led Doha with 13 points, while Iloka paced Manila Chooks with 11 markers. Holmqvist had three while Dennis Santos added two.
The game was also the very last one on the 3x3 circuit by the head trainer and playing coach of Manila Chooks and Cebu Chooks, Chico Lañete. The 43-year old Ormoc native ends his career as the fourth-best 3x3 player in the country after playing 37 matches.
“Mga kababayan, Chico is really who I consider a hero for his service his country. Marami siyang pinasaya as pro player. In the twilight of his career, sinigurado niya na pagsilbihan ang ating bayan. Kahit 43 na siya, lumaban pa rin siya para sa atin,” said Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas.
Mascariñas added that he will also give Lañete a Chooks-to-Go store.
“Speechless ako. Maraming salamat Boss Ronald for the opportunity. Maraming salamat sa pagsuporta ninyo sa amin. Hindi niyo iniwan yung family ko,” said Lañete.