Reigning titlist Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Ombudsman shoot for their second straight wins when they collide against their respective rivals while Malacañang opens its title campaign on Sunday in the 8th UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.
The AFP Cavaliers, bidding for their fourth title in the annual tournament for public servants, collide with the Philheath Plus at 2 p.m. while the Graftbusters take on the Department of Agriculture Food Masters at 4 p.m. in Group I elims.
The Malacañang Kamao, on the other hand, tackle the Judiciary Magis in the lone Group II match at 5 p.m. in the event organized by UNTV through its president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.
Led by veteran Eugene Tan, Jerry Lumongsod and Dave Cordero, the Cavaliers clobbered the PITC Global Traders, 90-70, in the opener of the tournament offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team.
The Graft Busters are coming off a 110-73 demolition of SSS Kabalikat last Sunday that saw former UST player Bernon Franco tally 30 points and 16 boards.
Ex-UST star Emmerson Oreta and Henry Fernandez spearhead the DA Food Masters.
The winner in the Malacañang-Judiciary tussle will draw level with National Housing Authority which pulled off an 85-81 win over Philippine National Authority in the rematch of the battle for third last season.
Out to lead Kamao are former collegiate hotshot Eric dela Cuesta, Martin Antonio and Ian Garrido while the Jose Midas Marquez-led Magis will be bannered by former PBA players Don Camaso, Chester Tolomia and Warren Ybanez.
Games Sunday (Pasig City Sports Center)
2 p.m. – Agriculture vs Ombudsman
3:30 p.m. – Philhealth vs AFP
5 p.m. – Malacañang vs Judiciary
