NorthPort edged out Purefoods in the hunt for the remaining quarterfinals berth in Leg 6 of the PBA 3×3 Lakas Ng Tatlo on the final day of pool play Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Although the Titans whipped the Batang Pier, 21-14, NorthPort emerged as the third best team in Pool B to have a crack at the eighth and last spot in the knockout stage.
Following the Purefoods victory and coupled by a 21-19 win by San Miguel over TNT, a three-way tie for second place emerged in Pool B among the Titans, Tropang Giga, and the Batang Pier, all with identical 1-2 records.
But TNT and NorthPort had the highest accumulated points among the three teams, thereby slamming Purefoods’ bid to advance.
The Tropang Giga took the no. 2 spot in the group, while the Beermen finished their pool campaign with a perfect 3-0 record to top Pool B.
As the third best team in Pool B, NorthPort meets the third best team in Pool C for the final berth in the knockout stage.
Platinum Karaoke meanwhile, completed a four-game sweep of its pool assignment with a 21-17 win over Cavitex.
The quartet of Karl Dehesa, Chris Dechavez, JR Alabanza, and Yutien Andrada steered the team on top of Pool A for a spot in the knockout stage.
Also progressing in the next round from Pool A are Pioneer Pro Tibay (2-2) and Leg 5 winner Limitless Appmasters, who finished their pool campaign with a 3-1 record following a walk over against Zamboanga Valientes.
In Pool C, Meralco absorbed its first loss with a 21-17 setback against Sista Super Sealers, but is already assured of advancing to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 card.
The final positioning going to the quarterfinals is yet to be determined as of press time pending the completion of all pool games.