UNTV Cup: AFP, DOJ post contrasting triumphs

Season 2 champion Armed Forces of the Philippines notched its second straight win by trouncing Metro Manila Development Authority, 83-66, in the 4th UNTV Cup held recently at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Jeffrey Quiambao and former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Boyet Bautista led AFP’s big uprising in the second quarter that saw the Cavaliers outscore the Blackwolves, 22-14, en route to a commanding 45-26 halftime lead.

The Blackwolves, who stunned defending champion Judiciary in the opener, tried to make a run in third but the Cavaliers had answers to their every basket in their Group B showdown.

Quiambao topscored for AFP with 16 points while Bautista chipped in 15 in his best game so far in the tournament for public servants.

AFP’s win was overshadowed by Department of Justice’s 78-74 victory over the Kenneth Duremdes-led Senate in Group A action.

Former San Sebastian College ace Ian Garrido starred for DOJ by scattering 21 points, including clutch baskets in the payoff period.

Garrido was ably supported by Jorel Canizares who finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.

Duremdes, a former PBA Most Valuable Player and also the Senate coach, matched his 18-point output in the team’s 81-71 win over National Housing Authority last week but his efforts were not enough this time.

In the other game, Government Service Insurance System drew 20 and 18 points from Rene Boy Banzali and Dennis Bunyi, respectively, to beat the Malacañang cagers, 70-59.

The tournament offers P2 million to the champion. The prize will go to the team’s chosen charity.

Judiciary ruled Season 3 last April, beating Malacañang via a two-game sweep.