MANILA, Philippines—Paul Anthony Yamamoto and John Jimenes came through with clutch baskets as Malacañang pulled off a 79-76 squeaker over defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines and gained a share of the lead with idle Judiciary in the 3rd UNTV Cup Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
A Presidential Security Group officer, Yamamoto put Malacañang on top with a layup in the last 15.7 seconds before Jimenes sealed the deal for the Patriots by hitting two charities in the dying seconds.
The Cavaliers had the chance to regain the lead after Yamamoto’s basket but Winston Sergio missed a potential game-changing shot.
The Patriots hiked their record to 6-1, thus tying the Judiciary Magis for the lead.
The Patriots and the Magis collide on Sunday for an outright semifinal berth.
In the other game, Philippine National Police boosted its own bid for an outright Final Four seat by dumping Bureau of Fire Protection, 85-60, to grab solo third with a 5-1 card. Andro Requez led the Patriots with 20 points.