NAURIZ Miezis buried the game-winning lay-up to allow world no. 1 Riga Ghetto to claim the championship of the Chooks-to-Go Manila Challenger, slipping past Lyon Sunday at SM Fairview.
Miezis, the world no. 4, got off the shot past Raphael Giaimo to break the 20-all deadlock with 1:30 left to seal the Latvian side the title and the USD 15,000 cash prize.
He led Riga with seven points as teammates Karlis Lasmanis and Arturs Strelnieks both scored five markers.
"It was tough. The competition was hard here in Manila but the atmosphere here is amazing. This is one to remember," said the top-ranked 3x3 player Lasmanis, who was also named as the Tournament MVP.
Raphael Wilson carried Lyon with 10 points in the Finals as they bagged USD 5,000 for finishing runner-up.
Both Riga Ghetto and Lyon earned tickets to the 2019 Fiba 3x3 World Tour Jeddah Masters in October.
Ulaanbaatar and Gagarin also took home USD 5,000 and 2,000, respectively, for making it to the semifinals.
Pasig Chooks was the lone Filipino team to reach the quarters before bowing to Lyon, 20-17.
Aside from the Manila Challenger finalists, Balanga Chooks will also make the trip to Saudi Arabia after previously clinching the seat after being a finalist in the Patriot's Cup last July.
In the side events, Strelnieks claimed the trophy in the Two-Point Shootout, while American dunk artist Kevin "Golden Child" Kemp took won the Slam Dunk Competition.
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