Malacañang beats PNP, nears crown

Malacañang pulled off a thrilling a 82-81 win over Philippine National Police and moved into the threshold of winning the 5th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Pasig City Sports Center.

In what could be his finest game so far, former University of Santo Tomas player Christian Luanzon erupted for 29 points in leading the Malacañang Kamao to victory in the opener of their best-of-three title series.

Luanzon was ably backed by Eric dela Cuesta who scattered 23 points as the Kamao of Presidential Management Staff head Bong Go scored yet another come-from-behind win.

The Kamao advanced to the finals by upsetting top seed and twice-to-beat Bureau of Customs in the semis.

The heroics of Luanzon and Dela Cuesta negated the 36-point performance of ex-University of the East star Ollan Omiping who pushed the PNP Responders on top, 63-59, going into the final 10 minutes of play.

The Kamao can clinch the title with another win on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Judiciary clinched third place with a 100-97 win over BOC.

If Malacañang prevails on Sunday, it will donate its R4-million prize to the Philippine Children's Medical Center. The runner-up gets R2 million.

Luanzon 29, Dela Cuesta 23, Jimenez 17, Garrido 6, Yamamoto 3, Besa 2, Abalos 2, V. Javier 0, N. Javier 0, G. Gadong 0 Omiping 36, Ongutan 10, Criste 8, Tolentino 7, Sta. Cruz 5, Abaya 4, J. Misola. Quarters: 15-23, 39-39, 59-63, 82-81.