TWO-TIME champion Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), MalacaƱang-Philippine Sports Commission and National HousĀing Authority (NHA) jumpstarted their title bids in contrasting fashĀions in the 7th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Pasig City gym in Pasig City.
The AFP Cavaliers drew 26 points from former Letran star Boyet Bautista and waylaid the Department of Justice Boosters, 109-87, while the MalacaƱang Kamao got double digits from six players to dump the Ombudsman Graft Busters, 101-72.
The NHA Builders, on the other hand, needed a decisive run midĀway in the payoff period to surĀprise the Judiciary Magis of SuĀpreme Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, 73-68, in the tournament offering P4 million to the charity of the champion team.
AFPās win put the Cavaliers on level with opening day winner and defendĀing chamĀpion Senate while MalaĀcaƱang and NHA tied Department of AgriculĀture of Sec. Manny PiĀƱol for the early Group B lead.
With Bautista and former amateur standout Eugene Tan presiding over AFPās attack, the Cavaliers roared to a 32-16 lead which they wisely protected en route on an auspicious start in the annual tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.
A member of the Philippine trainĀing pool to the 2007 Thailand SEA Games, Erick dela Cuesta and Visnu Das Javier scored 14 points to lead the teamās well-balanced attack.
While AFP and MalacaƱang scored similar breezy wins, the Builders needed the heroics of Marvin Mercado and Alvin Vitug to beat the Magis.
Mercado posted a double-douĀble of 22 points and 12 rebounds to share the Best Player award with Vitug who tallied 18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.