UNTV Cup: Senate cagers hand Malacañang first loss

MANILA, Philippines—Senate got a big lift from ex-PBA player Marlon Legaspi and Emmanuel Baltazar in the second round and stunned erstwhile unbeaten Malacañang, 77-63, to keep its semifinal bid alive in the 3rd UNTV Cup held over the weekend at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Legaspi and Baltazar combined for 15 of Senate’s 23 points in the second quarter to pull away for good and end Malacañang’s four-game winning streak, which it achieved after sweeping Group B eliminations in the first round.

Legaspi went on to finish with 18 points aside from pulling down 16 rebounds while Baltazar contributed 16 points and six boards as the Kenneth Duremdes-mentored Senate climbed to 3-2 in Group B.

Julius Roa applied the finishing touches for the Defenders by pouring 10 of his 14 points in the payoff period.

Judiciary and reigning titlist Armed Forces of the Philippines kept their 1-2 positions in Group B by downing their respective rivals.

Former pro Ariel Capus waxed hot for 26 points as the Magis bounced back from a loss to the PNP Responders last week with a 102-79 drubbing of the Department of Justice Boosters.

The Cavaliers rose to 4-0 by trouncing the Bureau of Fire Protection Firefighters, 109-77.