DOJ five scuttles MMDA, gains quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines—After two failed tries, Department of Justice finally made it to the quarterfinal round by downing Metro Manila Development Authority, 86-75, over the weekend in the 3rd UNTV Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

But the Boosters will have a mountain to climb in the next phase since they need to beat the Kenneth Duremdes-mentored Senate Defenders twice to advance to the semifinals.

Former collegiate standout Ian Garrido led the Boosters with 18 points and 16 rebounds with Rico Escalante chipping in 18 points and four rebounds.

In the other game, defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines outplayed Philippine National Police, 68-63, to claim the last twice-to-beat quarterfinal bonus.

Sergeant Alvin Zuniga starred for the Cavaliers in the tournament initiated by multiawarded broadcaster Daniel Razon by scoring eight of his 13 points in final period.

Both AFP and PNP finished with similar 5-3 records but the Cavaliers took the No. 4 spot on account of the winner-over-the-other rule. They will again face each other in the quarterfinals.

The winners in the quarterfinal round will join top seed Malacañang and second seed Judiciary in the semifinals.