Calvin Oftana dethrones Paul Lee, claims three-point shootout title

Calvin Oftana stole the show at the 2024 PBA All-Star festivities, showcasing his impressive long-distance shooting skills and preventing Paul Lee’s attempt at a title repeat.

The University of St. La Salle Gym witnessed Oftana’s rise as the three-point champion on a memorable Saturday.

Despite barely making it to the championship round with 22 points in the eliminations, Oftana turned up the heat when it mattered most, scoring an impressive 25 points to outshine Lee (20) and Chris Newsome (15). He joined the ranks of TNT players who have claimed victory in the three-point shootout, following the footsteps of Jimmy Alapag and Renren Ritualo.

During the medal play, Oftana surpassed Lee’s leading score and secured the crown by the fourth rack, leaving even Lee cheering him on by the final round. With a crowd on their feet, Oftana sunk the final money ball, solidifying his reign as the new three-point king.

Lee’s quest to become the fifth back-to-back champion, joining the likes of Jasper Ocampo, Boyet Fernandez, Mark Macapagal, and Terrence Romeo, was ultimately thwarted by Oftana’s stellar performance.

Notable players who fell short after the eliminations included Maverick Ahanmisi of Ginebra, James Yap of Blackwater, Alec Stockton of Converge, Robbie Herndon of NLEX, Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort, Ken Tuffin of Phoenix, Andrei Caracut of Rain or Shine, Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel, and Javi Gomez-De Liano of Terrafirma.

In a surprising turn of events, Newsome led the pack with 28 points in the first round, surpassing Lee’s 26 and Oftana’s 22. However, Oftana emerged as the ultimate victor in the finale, continuing his winning streak from his championship days at San Beda in the NCAA to his success with TNT in the PBA and Gilas during the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.