Duremdes powers Senate 5 past NHA

PLAYING-COACH Kenneth Duremdes recalled the years of his fine PBA career by leading Senate to an 81-71 win over National Housing Authority, even as Bureau of Fire Protection pinned a second loss on reigning champion Judiciary in the 4th UNTV Cup games at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig recently.

A former PBA MVP, Duremdes fired eight of his 18 points in the second period as the Defenders outscored the Builders, 25-11, for a 52-36 lead.

The Builders, who shocked the Judiciary Magis in the opener, 76-56, took their first defeat in Group A of the tournament organized by UNTV CEO-president Daniel Razon for the country’s public servants.

Marlon Legaspi topscored for Senate with 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting and grabbed 14 rebounds.

The Firefighters, meanwhile, leaned on the 24-point effort of Marlon Adolfo to down the Magis, 91-80, for a 1-1 record in Group B.

In the other game, House of Representatives spoiled the debut of Ombudsman, 78-74, behind former PBA cager Kiko Adriano’s 32 points.