Despite flaunting an overhauled lineup, ZOOS Tokyo continued to assert their dominance in women’s 3x3, ruling the Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 3 on Sunday.
New look, no problem for Japan-based club ZOOS Tokyo as they successfully defended their title in Manila Hustle 3x3, fending off Ari Geli and Panthers 3x3 in the final of Season 3, 17-13, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on Sunday.
Though only one player in world no. 55 Ama Degbeon returned from the championship squad last year, it was still ZOOS’ title to lose as they hurdled the challenges to come home with USD 4,00 cash prize and an invite to the upcoming WKBL Triple Jam later this year in Korea.
Degbeon nabbed tournament MVP for leading ZOOS to the title, which was highlighted by their convincing win over Panthers 3x3.
She started off the final with a blazing 6-2 start, which put ZOOS in control from the get-go.
Maya Tahira would then hit the dagger with 1:50 ticks remaining in the gold medal match to make it a 15-9 advantage, and denied Geli and the Panthers’ comeback try.
“I think this competition was really great. It was a lot of fun. I think the level was really really high and it was tough to win the title, we really had to compete. We’re happy to be here and thank you to everyone who supported us,” said Degbeon.
Degbeon bannered ZOOS which also featured U-23 players Tahira, Miran Kikuchi, and Fatoumanana Nishi.
The Spain-based Panthers 3x3, who will be going home with USD 2,500 for the bridesmaid finish, featured Geli, Saicha Grant-Allen, Paris Olympian Kacie Bosch, and Fiba 3x3 Women’s Series veteran Christina Buttenham.
Meanwhile, the Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 team made up of Camille Clarin, Mikka Cacho, Jhazmin Joson, and Hazelle Yam settled for the bronze medal after falling against the Panthers in the semifinals.
Still, the national team was able to get the last laugh as they salvaged the podium finish with a win over Tokyo BB, 20-12, in the bronze medal match.
Mythical 3 member Clarin, who was cited along with Degbeon and Grant-Allen, put the team on her back with 11 points in the third-place match.
Despite falling short of the crown, Clarin said that it was a good experience for the team.
“Considering that this is our first tournament of the year and we made it to the podium means that it’s a great start for us.” she said.