Malacañang gains UNTV semifinals berth

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang drew big games from Samuel Ignacio and Melvin Verches to outlast Judiciary, 69-65, and clinch an outright semifinal berth in the 3rd UNTV Cup held over the weekend at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

A Tourism department employee, Ignacio held his own against former PBA player Don Camaso to help Malacañang notch its seventh win in eight games for one of two outright semifinals berths.

Ignacio, who had 18 points and seven boards, was ably supported by Verches and Andro Requez who made clutch plays in the pivotal period.

The Magis closed out the second round with a 6-2 mark, the same record of the Kenneth Duremdes-mentored Senate, which stunned Philippine National Police, 83-77.

Malacañang coach Jenkins Mesina credited the team’s defense for the win, especially late in the fourth frame where they starved Judiciary top guns Camaso, John Hall and Ariel Capuz.