URATEX Dream completed a rare three-peat as the premier local club ruled the Red Bull Half Court National Finals last Saturday at Parqal in Aseana City.
Gilas Pilipinas Women standout Kaye Pingol teamed up with Lexi Pana in guiding the squad to a dominant 22-8 victory over sister team Uratex Tibay in the title game.
Together with fellow national player Hazelle Yam and veteran staple Sam Harada, the Peachy Medina-owned Uratex squad earned a ticket to the Red Bull Half Court World Final in Dubai from Nov. 27 to 29.
Taho Story takes men's title
“We’re so happy to keep this championship and it only motivates us to do better now that this will be our third time in that grand stage,” said Pingol, the Philippines’ No. 1-ranked women’s 3x3 player.
Taho Story, on the other hand, ruled the men’s division to book its ticket to Dubai.
The quartet of Nikki Monteclaro, Mikey Macaballug, Jordan Rios, and Ik Apuru got the better of Fit N’ Grind, 9-5, in a closely contested final.
Uratex Dream came close to glory last year, finishing as runner-up to Tokyo Verdy of Japan, 11-8, in the Grand Final at Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York. Pingol and Harada were holdovers of that unit alongside Afril Bernardino and Eunique Chan.
Now, they’re out to win it all.
“Syempre gusto naming manalo lagi at gusto naming bumawi from last year,” said Pingol.
The Dream went on a perfect run in the tournament and hurdled Aguilas Hoop Jeep, 16-8, in the semifinals.
Uratex Tibay, though, could still hold its head high as the quartet of CC Junsay, Ford Grajales, Justine Domingo, and Lourdes Ordoveza reached the championship after an 18-9 semis win over RB2.
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