UNTV Cup: Inspired PNP halts Judiciary streak

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine National Police ended Judiciary’s five-game winning streak with an 87-84 win Sunday to boost its semifinal bid at the start of the second round of the 3rd UNTV Cup at  Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

PNP coach Estong Ballesteros and pointguard Julius Criste offered their come-from-behind win to the 44 Special Action Force men who were killed in Maguindanao last week following a clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“We are motivated to play well because we are dedicating our game to our 44 comrades,” said Criste.

Criste, adjudged best player of the game, finished with 12 points, three steals and two assists.

The Magis almost sent the game into overtime but former PBA players Don Camaso and Ariel Capus bungled their open three-point tries in the last 16 seconds, enabling the Responders to escape with the win.

In other matches, defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines notched its second blowout win with a 106-81 drubbing of Department of Justice while the Metro Manila Development Authority leaned anew on the heroics of traffic aide Ermel Idria to beat Bureau of Fire Protection, 86-77.