Riga rules FIBA 3×3 Cebu Masters as PH teams bow out early

MANILA, Philippines – Riga escaped Antwerp, 21-19, to reign in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Cebu Masters at the SM Seaside City on Sunday, October 2, as the two squads from the Philippines bowed out early.

Nauris Miezis came through down the stretch for the Latvian side, scoring all of their last 7 points, including the game-winning free throw with 4.8 ticks to power Riga to the championship.

Miezis chalked up 10 points and 3 rebounds on the way to capturing the tournament MVP plum.

“I think I’m born for this moment,” said Miezis as the fourth-ranked team in the world bagged the top prize of $40,000 (around P2.3 million).

Karlis Lasmanis added 6 points to help Riga nail its second World Tour leg title this season following its victory in the Montreal Masters in September.

Thibaut Vervoort showed the way for Antwerp with 7 points and 4 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Cebu Chooks and Manila Chooks both suffered an early exit – a far cry from their performances in the Manila Masters in May where they reached the knockout rounds.

Cebu Chooks failed to advance past the pool stage after going winless against Antwerp, 11-16, and Omaha, 14-21, in their group.

Mac Tallo averaged 4 points and 4 rebounds in those pair of loses.

On the other hand, Manila Chooks fell short in the qualifying draw after compiling a 1-1 record.

Manila Chooks hacked out a 21-17 win over Ludhiana but absorbed a 21-16 loss to Doha, which punched its ticket to the pool stage – Rappler.com