By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negros Muscovados’ CJ Gania fell short of defending his crown after finishing runner-up in the Slam Dunk competition of the 2024 MPBL All-Star in Zamboanga City on Saturday night, September 7.

Gania settled for second place after accumulating just 79 points (47 in the first round and 32 in the second round) behind champion Joe Gomez de Liaño of the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, who had 94 points (48 in the first round and 46 in the second round).

Gania and De Liaño made it to the Slam Dunk championship round after both tallying 100 points (50 in the first round and 50 in the second round) during the preliminary round.

Others who participated in the competition are Poypoy Actub of the Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX, Warlo Batac of the Muntinlupa Cagers, Mark Meneses of the Pangasinan Heatwaves, Negrense Rodel Gravera of the Quezon Huskers, and Rhinwil Yambing of the Quezon City TODA Aksyon.

Gania claimed the MPBL Slam Dunk title last year while playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, where he defeated Actub in the finals.

Meanwhile, San Juan Knights-Go for Gold’s Orlan Wamar, Jr. retained the MPBL Three-Point Shootout title with 16 points, beating his teammate Amiel Soberano in the final round./ASC, WDJ