Defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines rode on another torrid shooting from Boyet Bautista to subdue Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission, 77-65, to clinch an outright semis berth in the 8th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the San Juan City gym.
The 5-foot-7 former Letran star scored all his 24 points from three-point zone apart from posting five boards, three steals and two assists as the Cavaliers recovered from a shock defeat to Judiciary the last time.
As they hiked their record to 7-1, the Cavaliers will still advance automatically to semis even if they drop their last assignment in the second round of the elims as the Kamao fell to 5-3 – the same record of National Housing Authority.
Newcomer Department of Environment and Natural Resources still leads the standings with an immaculate 6-0 mark in the event organized by UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon for public servants.
The Judiciary Magis continued their rise as they clobbered the PhilHealth Plus, 112-86, to move to a share of fifth to seventh places with Department of Agriculure and PITC.
Christopher dela Cruz starred for the Magis this time, scoring 9 of his 24 points in the first half thaw the two-time champions erect a 61-35 advantage.
The NHA Builders likewise kept their bid for the second outright semis berth with a 71-63 win over the PITC Global Traders in the event offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team.
Four NHA players scored in double figures with Michael Dizon leading the way with 17 points.
First Game
JUDICIARY 112—Dela Cruz 24, Tolomia 16, Bergonio 15, Dionisio 15, Ybañez 9, Litonjua 9, Serrano 7, Marquez 6, Puno 6, SalaMat 3, R. Malinao 2.
PHILHEALTH—86 Emata 27, Mazo 19, Mabbagu 10, Pacheco 9, Armojallas 8, Aldave 6, Hernandez 4, Malana 3, Pedroso 0, Hierro 0, R. Cuizon 0.
Quarters: 31-21, 61-35, 85-57, 112-86.
Second Game
NHA 71—Dizon 17, Lustestica 12, W. Tibay 12, Sumayang 11, Mercado 9, Prado 4, Crisostomo 3, Adolfo 3, J. Forbes 0, Vitug 0, Alastoy 0, Dizon 0, R. Tibay 0.
PITC 63—Martin 22, Taplah 11, Vasallo 11, Juan 9, Lopez 6, Regalado 4, Almarinez 0, Gecale 0, Barbers 0.
Quarters: 16-20, 36-35, 53-54, 71-63
Third Game
AFP 77—Bautista 24, Quiambao 10, Rosopa 9, Lumongsod 8, Pascual 8, Almerol 7, Casulla 6, Cordero 4, Tan 1, Zuñiga 0, Sergio 0, Fernandez 0.
MALACAÑANG-PSC 75—Garrido 16, Javier 14, Dela Cuesta 9, Besa 7, Roque 5, Jimenez 4, Antonio 4, Ignario 3, Punzalan 3, Javier 0.
Quarters: 19-15, 40-30, 60-49, 77-65.
Games Sunday (San Juan City gym)
2 p.m. – NHA vs PhilHealth
3:30 p.m. – Judiciary vs Agriculture
5 p.m. – PITC vs DENR
