Malacañang eyes share of UNTV Cup top spot

THE RACE for two outright semifinal berths intensifies today as four of five teams involved go for crucial wins in the second round of the 3rd UNTV Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The three-game bill will be capped by the 5 p.m. showdown between defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines (4-2) and second-running Malacañang.

Coming off an 84-68 drubbing of the Metro Manila Development Authority Blackwolves last Sunday, the Malacañang Patriots are looking to tie idle Judiciary (6-1) for the lead.

If the Patriots lose to the Cavaliers, they have to beat the Judiciary Magis next to keep their semifinal bid alive.

But beating the Cavaliers won’t be easy as AFP is on a roll, having won its last four games that improved their record to 4-2.

Also out to boost their Final Four bids are Philippine National Police (4-1) and Senate (4-2), which will be facing MMDA and Bureau of Fire Protection, respectively.

Led by point guard Julius Criste and forward Ollan Omiping, PNP handed powerhouse Judiciary its first loss, 87-84, last month.