Top seed Philippine National Police and Ombudsman arranged a title duel in the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off after posting contrasting victories over the weekend at Pasig City Sports Center.
The PNP Responders leaned on Anthony Padua and Joey De Mesa to whip the Senate Sentinels, 78-61, while the second-seeded Ombudsman Graft Busters nipped the Judiciary Magis, 76-73, in overtime.
The winner-take-all match is set on July 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the chosen charity of the champion team getting P1 million.
The losing finalist’s chosen foundation will get P500,000.
Armed with the twice-to-beat edge, the Responders rode on a big second quarter attack led by Padua and De Mesa who scored 21 and 14 points, respectively.
Sen. Joel Villanueva paced the Sentinels with 16 points.
Armed Forces of the Philippines won the 2017 title.