The Armed Forces of the Philippine Cavaliers fired a strong warning to their rivals as they opened their title-retention bid in style, crushing the National Housing Authority Builders, 90-71, at the start of the 3rd UNTV Cup Monday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With Winston Sergio, Willy Casulla and Rolando Pascua imposing their will inside the paint, the Cavaliers got off to a fast start, leading by as many as 12 points in the second quarter before practically sealing the deal early late in the third with another fiery run in their Group B action.
The 6-foot-1 Casulla led AFP with 16 points on an impressive 5-of-7 shooting from the field while Sergio and Pascua combined for 24 points.
Leslie Cabayao also did well as he accounted for two of the team’s 10 triples that helped them pull away for good in the third quarter.
Also getting off to a hot start in the annual event presented by UNTV through multiawarded broadcaster Daniel S. Razon were the Philippine National Police Responders who demolished the Department of Justice Boosters, 90-72.
Former University of the East guard Ollan Omiping put on a virtual one-man show for the Responders as he exploded for 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting. He also had 12 rebounds to highlight his all-around performance.
Razon made the ceremonial toss with commissioner Atoy Co.