TWO-TIME champion AFP Cavaliers turned back a fighting Senate Defenders’ team, 72-71, in the main game of the UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center on Sunday.
Coach Sonny Manucat of the Cavaliers said defense was the key to the soldiers’ victory on Sunday.
“Number one, defense. Kasi alam ko talaga malakas ‘yung Senate eh, so sabi ko sa kanila we have to contain all players inside. Sabi ko, walang magre-relax. Focus lagi sa game,” said Manucat.
Romero Almerol Jr. scored 17 points, while Rolando Pascual had 13 to lead the Cavaliers.
On the other hand, Rommel Balboa struck for 17 points, while Jeffrey Sanders pitched in 14 points to lead the Defenders. Senator Joel Villanueva, meanwhile, contributed 12 points.
In the second game, Malacañang-PSC Kamao knocked down PDEA Drug Busters, 91-85.
Coach Louie Gonzales admitted that the Drug Busters posed a great challenge on them, so over confidence was out of the question.
“We don’t have to be overconfidence sa laban na to kasi, I watched their games. Alam ko hindi pa nagka-come together, it’s a brand new team, pero alam mo, mga matured na ‘yan. Mga marurunong na ‘yan, mag-aadjust na din ‘yan. Now, kung bibigyan pa natin sila ng fighting chance, maglalaro ng maganda ‘yan. Buti na lang nakalusot kami,” said Gonzales.
In the third match, the PNP Responders routed the COA Enablers, 112-72.
The Responders stayed on the top spot in group a 3-0 mark, while COA has a 0-3 standing.
The Scores:
Game 1
PNP Responders (112) —A. Yanquiling 18, A. Bayabao 17, J. Cabahug 14, O. Omiping 11, H. Decena 8, A. Tolentino 7, J. Saracho 6, R. Abaya 6, R. Ongutan 6, R. Cabrera 5, C. Elopre 4, J. Tacsay 4, H. Sta. Cruz 3, J. Misola 2, J. Criste 1
COA Enablers (71)—A. Gamboa 31, E. Ballestos 18, J. Angel 6, W. Paquera 5, R. Villanueva 4, J. Balgua 2, R. Garin 2, C. Sulay 2, P. Carpina 1
Quarter Scores: 31-11, 54-29, 80-50, 112-71
GAME 2:
Malacanang-PSC Kamao (91) — V. Javier 20, J. Besa 17, C. Luanzon 14, E. Dela Cuesta 13, I. Garrido 10, J. Jimenez 8, G. Gadong 4, M. Ignario 2, N. Javier 2, R. Abalos 1
PDEA Drug Busters (85) — M. Basco 32, R. Rizon 19, J. Perante 18, R. Sanz 12, C. Santiago 2, D. Dejarme 2
Quarter Scores: 24-20, 51-45, 76-65, 91-85
GAME 3:
AFP Cavaliers (72) — R. Almerol 17, R. Pascual 13, W. Casulla 10, A. Zuniga 8, B. Bautista 8, J. Lumonsod 6, W. Sergio 3, J. Quiambao 2, P. Fernandez 2, R. Araneta, E. Tan 1
Senate Defenders (71) — R. Balboa 17, J. Sanders 14, E. Villanueva 12, J. Mangaran 9, M. Omega 8, S. Marata 6, H. Ng 3, J. Flaminiano 2
Quarter Scores: 16-24, 47-39, 56-54, 72-71