Meralco is not about to rest on its laurels as it bids for a second straight leg championship in the PBA 3×3 Third Conference.
The Bolts, coached by Patrick Fran, reinforced their roster by re-activating veteran guard Tonino Gonzaga in time for Leg 3 of the half-court tournament which tips off Monday at Robinsons Magnolia.
Gonzaga, who missed the initial first two legs due to injury, takes the place of Maclean Sabellina, whose knee injury he aggravated in the Leg 2 final last week against Cavitex Braves.
But despite Gonzaga and Sabellina both hurting, the Bolts pulled off one of the most amazing finals comebacks in the young history of the standalone meet after battling their way back from five points down late in regulation before taking the win in overtime, 18-17, to cash in on the P100,000 prize money.
Now, Meralco will have its original quartet of Gonzaga, Joseph Sedurifa, Dexter Maiquez, and Alfred Batino back in full force as they eye a fourth leg championship overall.
The rest of the field though, likewise beefed up their respective lineups.
Purefoods TJ Titans tapped tried-and-tested Marvin Hayes after parting ways with Limitless App, where he had a rewarding campaign in the first two conferences that saw the Appmasters ruled a total of four leg titles, and run away with the first ever grand championship during the first conference.
San Miguel meanwhile, brings back fancy guard Jeff Manday, who just recovered from a hand injury and will replace Alfonso Gotladera in the lineup, so does Lervin Flores of TNT Tropang Giga in lieu of Samboy De Leon.
The Appmasters for their part, added Daryl Louie Pascual, while Thomas Torres replaced Jeric Teng at Master Sardines.
The other teams which likewise shook their rosters were Sista Super Sealers, who signed Rhaffy Octobre for Wilson Baltazar, Terrafirma plays draftee Sandy Cenal for big man Jebb Bulawan, and John Philip Alcantara for Reed Juntilla at Zamboanga Valientes.
Meralco leads Pool A along with Limitless App, NorthPort, and Zamboanga Valientes, Pool B boasts of Cavitex, TNT Tropang Giga, and San Miguel, Pool C will have Barangay Ginebra, Platinum Karaoke, Pioneer Pro Tibay, and Sista Super Sealers, and Pool D is composed of Terrafirma, Purefoods, and Master Sardines.
A total of 14 games will again be played in the opening day of pool play, before the rest is played on the second day, including the knockout stage involving the top two teams in each pool.
Game starts at 10 a.m.