Defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission defeated their rivals Sunday and stayed unbeaten in their respective group elims in the 8th UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.
The AFP Cavaliers rode on the hot shooting of former Letran star Boyet Bautista to beat the Department of Agriculture Food Masters, 91-84, in Group A elims while the Malacañang-PSC Kamao carved out a 75-64 win over the Philippine National Police Responders in Group B action of the event organized by UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.
The PITC Global Traders evened up their Group A record at 2-2 with a 130-67 drubbing of the SSS Kabalikat – thanks to Ryan Regalado who led six PITC players in double figures.
Still deadly and wily despite the excess pounds, Bautista got the better of his exciting shootout with ex-University of Santo Tomas star Emerson in leading the three-time champions Cavaliers to their fourth straight win in as many outings.
The 5-foot-7 Bautista erupted for 28 points – the bulk of those came in the final half where they made a decisive run that enabled them to take the lead for good.
Romeo Almerol and Jerry Lumungsod ably supported Bautista with 19 and 17 points as the Cavaliers ended the Food Masters’ two-game winning run.
Apart from outrebounding the SSS Kabalikat, 35-26, the Global Traders had 22 steals and had more assists, 27-8.
With Joseph Roque and Jeffrey Punzalan at the helm, the Kamao turned on the offensive heat in the second quarter to pull away for good for a similar 4-0 record in the tournament offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team.
The scores:
First Game
PITC 130 – Regalado 30, Vasallo 24, Gecale 22, Juan 18, Taplah 14, Lopez 13, Barbers 7, Tibayan 2.
SSS 67 – Quiambao 23, Roman 18, Puño 6, Hernandez 4, Aguila 4, David 4, Dimapasoc 2, Tanega 2.
Quarters: 31-15, 66-22, 109-45, 130-67.
Second Game
AFP 91 – Bautista 28, Almerol 19, Lumongsod 17, Casulla 16, Sergio 7, Evidor 2, Tan 2.
AGRICULTURE 84 – Oreta 28, Fernandez 15, Dematera 13, Casaysayan 8, Mastelero 6, Silva 5, Tayer 4, Mayran 3.
Quarters: 24-20, 44-45, 69-59, 91-84.
Third Game
MALACAÑANG-PSC 75 – Roque 18, Punzalan 17, Dela Cuesta 11, Antonio 6, Jimenez 6, N. Javier 4, V. Javier 4, Garrido 3, Besa 3, Abalos 2, Ignario 1
PNP 64 –Omiping 29, Serrano 9, Misola 8, Flormata 6, Abaya 4, Villanueva 3, Elopre 2, Cabrera 2, Tolentino 1.
Quarters: 14-14, 39-30, 60-41,75-64.
