AFP downs MMDA in UNTV Cup
Games Thursday (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig) 3:30 p.m. – BFP vs Ombudsman 5p.m. – PNP vs DOJ 7 p.m. – AFP vs Judiciary
Season 2 champion Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) notched its second straight win by trouncing Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, 83-66, in the 4th UNTV Cup held recently at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Jeffrey Quiambao and former PBA player Boyet Bautista led AFP’s big uprising in the second quarter that saw them outscore the Blackwolves, 22-14, which gave them a commanding 45-26 halftime lead.
The Blackwolves, who stunned defending champion Judiciary in the opener, tried to make a run in third, but the Cavaliers had answers to their every huge baskets they made to win pulling away in their Group B showdown.
Quiambao topscored for AFP with 16 points while Bautista chipped in 15 markers in his best game so far in the tournament designed by UNTV for Manila’s public servants.
AFP’s win, however, was overshadowed by Department of Justice’s (DOJ) 78-74 victory over the Kenneth Duremdes-led Senate in Group A action.
Duremdes, the team’s playing coach, matched his 18-point output in the team’s 81-71 win over National Housing Authority last week but his efforts were not enough this time.
Former San Sebastian College player Ian Garrido starred for DOJ by scattering 21 points, including clutch baskets in the payoff period. He was ably supported by Jorel Canizares who finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.
In the other game, GSIS drew 20 and 18 points from Rene Boy Banzali and Dennis Bunyi to beat Malacañang, 70-59.
The tournament offers R2 million to the champion with the prize going to the team’s chosen charity.