MALACAÑANG-PSC Kamao edged the GSIS Furies, 75-73, in the UNTV Cup Season 6 Sunday at the Pasig City Sports Center.
With the win, the Palace hoopsters now hold a 6-2 standing alongside the Senate Defenders and the Judiciary Magis.
“Kailangan talaga naming manalo kasi ito ang magde-determine sa amin kung magiging pang-ilan kami. Baka matalo kami, malaglag kami nang malaglag. So talagang pinilit naming manalo ngayon” said Malacañang-PSC Kamao assistant Coach Raffy Gutierrez.
With the loss, the Furies (5-4) are now in a must-win situation against the NHA Builders in their next match in order to advance to the quarterfinal round.
“Noong first half, we produced a lot of unwanted errors, kaya ang offense nila ang dali, mabilis sila maka-transition. Noong third and fourth quarters naka-pick up ng konti pero hindi pa rin consistent,” GSIS Head Coach Myk Saguiguit said.
In the second game, the Senate Defenders defeated the PDEA Drug Busters 96-73.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, who led the Defenders, was hailed Best Player of the Game with 22 points, 1 assist and 2 steals.
“Bounce back lang kasi very disappointing and heart breaking ang pagkatalo namin sa NHA. So sabi nga ni Senator Sonny (Angara) at ni Senator Joel, how we bounce back coming from that loss will reveal our character, so ito ipinakita naman,” said Senate Defenders Head Coach Mike Fermin.
In the main game, two-time champion AFP Cavaliers eased into the semifinals with a twice-to-beat advantage after demolishing the NHA Builders, 96–89.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, importate yung game, sabi ko we just have to do what we were doing for the past games,” AFP Cavaliers Corporal Sonny Manucat admitted.
With the win, the AFP is on the top of the team standings with eight games won and one game lost.