Defending champion Senate and Armed Forces of the Philippines try to keep their share on the Group A lead when they go up against separate rivals on Sunday in the 7th UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.
The Defenders collide with the Department of Justice Boosters at 2 p.m., while the Cavaliers square off with the PITC Global Traders at 5 p.m., with the Senate and AFP looking to notch their third straight wins in the annual tournament for public servants.
Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission also shoots for a third straight win and a share of the Group B lead when it tangles with PhilHealth at 3:30 p.m.
Senate coach Mike Fermin sees a tight contest with the Justice Boosters, saying: “We have to bring our A-game if we want to stay undefeated.”
Out to lead Senate are Jeff Sanders, Garry Sevilla, Marlon Legaspi, and Senators Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara.
Former Letran star Boyet Bautista is once again expected to lead AFP after scoring 22 points in the team’s 92-82 win over Philippine National Police the last time.
A victory by the Malacañang Kamao would enable them to tie National Housing Authority for the lead.
But the Kamao will have their hands full against the PhilHealth Plus who are coming off a morale-boosting 122-99 win over the Ombudsman Graft Busters – thanks to a pair of 29 points from Jonathan Aldave and Mark Pedroso.
Group A: Senate (2-0), AFP (2-0), DOJ (1-1), PNP (1-2), GSIS (1-2), PITC (0-2).
Group B: NHA (3-0), Malacañang-PSC (2-0), DA (2-1), PhilHealth (1-2), Judiciary (0-2), Ombudsman (0-3).