Former Letran star Boyet Bautista produced five triples and the same number of assists as defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines extended its winning run to six games with an 86-84 win over the National Housing Authority Builders in the 8th UNTV Cup at the San Juan City gym.
The 5-foot-6 Bautista shot 5-of-6 from the 3-point area on the way to scoring 17 points as the AFP Cavaliers stayed on top of Group A with a perfect 6-0 record.
Three other AFP players scored in double figures with Jerry Lumongsod leading the way with 19 while Rolando Pascual and Romeo Almerol chipped in 15 and 11 points, respectively, to help boost AFP’s bid for an outright semis berth in the annual tournament for public servants.
Not to be left out was Department of Environment and Natural Resources which likewise stretched its unbeaten run to six games by downing Department of Agriculture, 94-85, in Group B action of the tournament organized by UNTV President and CEO Daniel Razon.
The DENR Warriors started slow and trailed the Food Masters in the first two quarters before outscoring their rivals, 26-17, in the third to seize momentum and prevail.
Meantime, Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission drew big games from Erick dela Cuesta, Martin Antonio and Visnu Das Javier to turn back PhilHealth, 98-81, for a 5-1 mark.
Dela Cuesta paced the Kamao with 20 points but its Javier who shone brightly as he posted 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and a steal. Antonio contributed 16 points.
The Warriors, on the other hand, was spearheaded by Ryan Abanes who logged 23 points and five boards while Des Ayson backed him up with 18 points and four rebounds.
First Game
MALACAÑANG-PSC 98—Dela Cuesta 20, Antonio 16, Javier 15, Besa 11, Jimenez 11, Roque 8, Javier 6, Punzalan 4, Gadong 3, Garrido 2, Ignario 2.
PHILHEALTH 91—Aldave 34, Mazo 20, Emata 17, Hernandez 13, Armojallas 6, Pacheco 1.
Quarters: 24-26, 47-47, 75-68, 98-91.
Second Game
DENR 94—Abanes 23, Ayson 18, Rivera 16, Bangal 13, Parreño 11, Mamac 8, Atablanco 2, Calungcagin 2, Baluyot 1.
DA85—Manigo 23, Fernandez 15, Mastelero 11, Casaysayan 11, Oreta 7, Silva 6, Dematera 6, Mayran 3, Hassan 1, Comerciase 1.
Quarters: 14-27, 39-41, 65-58, 94-85.
Third Game
AFP 86—Lumongsod 19, Baustista 17, Pascual 15, Almerol 11, Cordero 7, Rosopa 6, Casulla 6, Tan 3, Fernandez 2.
NHA 84—Vitug 33, Dizon 14, Mercado 10, Lustestica 6, Alastoy 6, Dizon 6, W. Tibay 3, Prado 3, Sumayang 3.
Quarters: 12-19, 37- 37, 64-58, 86-84.
