Taylor Statham struck hard twice in the dying seconds to lift the Pasig Grindhouse Kings to a 14-12 beating of the Pasay Voyagers on Saturday evening to capture the fourth leg crown of the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup.
The 6’6” Statham, who led with seven points, hit a jumper in the remaining 18 seconds to give the Kings enough cushion to earn their second title.
“They’re (Pasay) super physical. They’re a tough team to beat. But it was a lot of fun,” said Statham, a Fil-American cager who has played for teams in the PBA D-League.
Statham’s timely basket came right after Arvin Tolentino kept Pasay close with his inside play in the last 31 seconds.
With the victory, Pasig soared to the top of the overall standings with a point total of 380 points.
Pasig reached the finals after repulsing the San Juan Knights, 21-16, and off a two-pointer from Statham with 51 ticks left.
Pasay earned their place in the finals after they outplayed Carga-Valenzuela, 21-12.
The Kings will enter the grand finals on Sunday, March 31 at the SM Fairview Events Center as the top-seed.
Statham gave Pasig a two-point lead in the final 31 seconds after he connected with a jumper, 13-11.
The Kings played without Dylan Ababou in the semis and finals after sustaining a right calf injury.
With the President’s Cup recently upgraded to Quest level by FIBA, the overall champions will automatically qualify for a slot in the FIBA 3X3 World Tour.
This is the first time in three legs that the Kings did not face the 1Bataan Risers, who bowed the Carga-Valenzuela, 18-21, during the eliminations.
