Judiciary inched closer to earning an outright semifinal berth by humbling Bureau of Fire Protection, 104-81, in the 3rd UNTV Cup before a huge Sunday crowd at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Former PBA player Ariel Capus led Judiciary with 22 points and 22 rebounds as the Magis notched their third straight win in the second round of the tournament for a pacesetting 6-1 record.
The Magis can clinch an outright semifinal berth in the tournament initiated by multi-awarded broadcaster Daniel Razon if they beat the Malacañang Patriots on the final day of the eliminations.
Capus drew support from another former PBA player in Don Camaso and Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez who chipped in 16 and 15 points, respectively.
The Patriots, behind Andro Requez, bounced back from a 77-63 loss to the Senate Defenders by dumping the Metro Manila Development Authority Blackwolves, 84-68, for a 5-1 record.
With former pro Marlon Legaspi firing 30 points, the Defenders outlasted the Department of Justice Boosters, 81-75, to tie defending champion Armed Forces in fourth place at 4-2.