Top seed Philippine National Police and second-ranked Ombudsman arranged a title clash in the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off by downing their respective rivals over the weekend at the Pasig City Sports Center.
The PNP Responders leaned on the explosive duo of Anthony Padua and Joey De Mesa to subdue the Senate Sentinels, 78-61, while the Ombudsman Graft Busters outlasted the Judiciary Magis, 76-73, in overtime.
The winner-take-all match is set on July 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the chosen charity of the champion team getting P1 million.
The charity of the losing finalist in the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon for public servants receive P500,000.
Armed with the twice-to-beat advantage for topping the elims, the Responders used a big second-quarter attack to take the initiative before stepping further on the gas to finally take the fight out of the Sentinels.
Padua and De Meda scored 21 and 14 points, respectively, for the Responders who are out to raise the Executive division trophy after Armed Forces of the Philippines won the inaugural event last year.
Sen. Joel Villanueva showed up for the Sentinels after resting the last time, but the Responders were simply too hot handle. Villanueva finished with 16 points.
The Graft Busters overcame a so-so showing in the third to force an extra period.
