PBA: Macapagal ousts Tiu to reclaim 3-point crown

MANILA, Philippines – Chris Tiu, who won last year’s Three-Point Shootout, said he was most concerned about Talk ’N Text marksman Larry Fonacier in his quest to repeat as champion.

Instead of looking to the future, he should’ve been looking to his past.

Globalport Batang Pier’s Mark Macapagal – the man whose three-year reign Tiu ended last year – regained his title on Friday, April 4 during the 2014 PBA All-Star Weekend.

Macapagal made good on 6 money balls in the elimination round to lead all competitors with 23 points. He then improved on that showing by scoring 24 points in the final round to seal the deal. 

“Medyo last year galing bakasyon so hindi prepared, hindi tulad ngayon nakapag-practice nakukuha ko yung rhythm,” Macapagal explained. “Buti na lang maganda yung umpisa at nakasama ako sa doon sa tatlo.” (Last year I came from vacation so I wasn’t prepared. Not like this year I was able to practice and get my rhythm. It’s a good thing I had a great start and I was able to make the top 3.)

Rain or Shine’s Tiu racked up 22 points in the eliminations along with a similar 22-point finals output.

Alaska Aces point guard JVee Casio was the first to tally more than 20 points with a 22-point finish in the elimination round on 6 money balls. He dipped in the finals, however, with just 20 points.

Macapagal will take home P30,000 for his win, the same amount Mark Barroca earned for winning the Obstacles Challenge.

Below is the summary of scores for this year’s PBA All Star Weekend three-point shootout:

Eliminations

Mark Cardona: 18 points

JVee Casio: 22 points

Ronjay Buenafe: 14 points

LA Tenorio: 17 points

Mark Macapagal: 23 points

John Wilson: 17 points

Gary David: 18 points

Marcio Lassiter: 18 points

Larry Fonacier: 12 points

Chris Tiu: 22 points 

Finals

JVee Casio: 20 points

Mark Macapagal: 24 points

Chris Tiu: 22 points

– Rappler.com