MACAPAGAL BACK AS 3-PT CHAMP
Mark Macapagal reclaimed his throne as he once again ruled the 2014 PBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The sweet shooting forward from GlobalPort bested nine of the league’s elite, scoring 24 in the final round, powered by a perfect moneyball round in his fourth rack.
“Last year, galing akong bakasyon so di ako prepared, di tulad ngayon na nakakapag-practice ako at kuha ko yung rhythm ko,” Macapagal said. “Buti na lang maganda yung umpisa ko kaya nakasama ako dun sa final na tatlo.”
This was Macapagal’s fourth three-point shootout title, after winning in 2010, 2011, and 2012, until his streak was snapped by Chris Tiu in Digos City last year.
The defending champion from Rain or Shine didn’t go down without a fight as he canned 22 points in the final round, while JV Casio was able to muster 20 points after making five moneyballs.
Macapagal said that he wasn’t really able to prepare for this competition given the players’ hectic schedule, and added, “Medyo kinakabahan nga ako kanina kasi di ako sure sa legs ko. Nanghihina eh. Yun pala kabado lang.”
He already set the tone for the game as he topped the eliminations with 23 points, while Tiu and Casio registered 22 points apiece to punch their ticket to the final round.
Other competitors were Mac Cardona, Ronjay Buenafe, LA Tenorio, John Wilson, Gary David, Marcio Lassiter, and Larry Fonacier.
Macapagal dedicated the victory to their GlobalPort fans, who have yet to see their team win in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Para sa kanila to. We may be not doing really good, pero kahit ganun, nasa likod pa rin namin sila parati. Bukod sa family at sa mga mahal sa buhay, para to sa GlobalPort Army. At least may magandang nangyari samin ngayong conference,” he said.
Macapagal took home the P30,000 champion’s purse. (RL)
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