National Housing Authority weathered Department of Agriculture’s determined comeback and eked out a 75-73 win to claim the solo Group B lead, even as Armed Forces of the Philippines chalked up its second straight win in the 7th UNTV Cup held recently at the Pasig City Sports Center.
The NHA Builders led by as many as 18 points in the first half, but needed a big defensive effort down the stretch to survive the Food Masters’ fightback and nail their third straight win in the annual tournament for public servants.
Antonio Lustestica scored 23 points, while Marvin Marcado added 14 for the Builders, who are off to their best start in the event offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team.
Former UST star Emerson Oreta had 17 points for the Food Masters, who absorbed their first defeat in three games.
The AFP Cavaliers tied defending champion Senate for Group A lead after downing Philippine National Police, 92-82, thanks to another inspiring show of former Letran star Boyet Bautista.
The wily guard finished with 22 points after engaging former University of the East player Ollan Omiping in an early shootout.
Omiping, who led PNP to the championship two years ago, led all scorers with 24 points.
Meantime, PhilHealth, drawing a pair of 29 points from Mark Pedroso and Jonathan Aldave, finally barged into the win column by crushing Ombudsman, 122-99, in the other Group B match.