The vivo 3-on-3 Basketball Challenge Grand Finals concluded with a thrilling victory for De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Benilde B2 defeated their fellow DLS-CSB team Benilde B1 in the final match on November 19, 2023, at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia.
The two-day event featured 12 teams from six universities, namely Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), University of the Philippines Diliman, Jose Rizal University (JRU), National University, DLS-CSB, and De La Salle University, competing for the coveted title in this adrenaline-packed tournament.
A decisive win for Benilde B2
Benilde B2 dominated the final match with a score of 21-14, securing their place as the Grand Champions with over two minutes remaining on the clock. Benilde B1 claimed the first runner-up position.
The second and third runner-up spots went to LPU Team B and JRU Team Considerate, respectively, showcasing the intense competition among the top-tier teams.
Allen Bryant Liwag, a 22-year-old BSBA Export Management student at DLS-CSB and a key member of the Grand Champion team, emphasized the profound impact of the tournament on youth, stating, “Sobrang laki ng impact nito para sa mga kabataan kasi nabibigyan kami ng chance na ma-showcase yung talent namin.”
(This has a huge impact for the youth because it gives us a chance to showcase our talent.)
The 4-member Grand Champion team was honored with a trophy, medals, and cutting-edge vivo V29e 5G for their exceptional performance. Meanwhile, the runners-up received medals and vivo phones, such as Y27, Y17s, and Y02t.
A heartwarming act of kindness
First runner-up Benilde B1 demonstrated a heartwarming act of kindness. Ralph Vincent Baliquig, a 20-year-old Bachelor of Science Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (BS HRIM) student, shared that their victory was a gift for their teammate, Irele Galas. “Pinlano talaga namin to, nag work talaga kami kasi yung teammate namin, para sa kanya to. Wala siyang phone. Binigay namin sa kanya lahat,” he said.
(We planned this, and we worked hard because this is for our teammate. He doesn’t have a phone. We gave him everything.)
A dedicated initiative for basketball enthusiasts
As the official partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the vivo 3-on-3 Basketball Challenge represents a dedicated initiative aimed at fostering growth and enthusiasm for the sport within the country, with a particular focus on engaging and inspiring the youth.
The Grand Finals not only showcased exceptional basketball skills but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the participating universities.
If you missed the vivo 3-on-3 Basketball Challenge Grand Finals, you can watch the livestream video at https://www.facebook.com/vivo.philippines/videos/1003511567543025.
For the latest news and updates, follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, TikTok and its official website.
