THREE-TIME runner-up PNP Responders trailed for three quarters before turning on the heat in the fourth to stun the defending champion AFP Cavaliers, 82-67, in the UNTV Cup Season 5 second-round elimination at the University of Makati Gymnasium on Sunday.
Responders’ guard Julius Criste was hailed as the Best Player of the Game after drilling 22 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals.
“Nag-usap kami that we were going to focus on defense. At the same time, ‘yun ang i-prinipare namin bago kami maglaro ng second round,” said PNP Responders’ head coach Ernie Sta. Cruz.
AFP Cavaliers Head Coach CPL. Cornelio “Sonny” Manucat III, on the other hand, admitted: “Mas gusto nilang manalo ngayon. I have to give credit to PNP.”
In the second game, the MMDA Black Wolves topped the NHA Builders, 87-79.
Jeffrey Sanders, who made 13 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, was hailed as Best Player of the Game, alongside Maximo Guittap, who contributed 16 points and 5 rebounds.
MMDA now has won 4 games and lost 3, while the NHA has a 3-4 record and is now at the bottom spot.
In the first game of the triple-header, two-time champ Judiciary Magis moved to second place after winning over the BFP Firefighters, 76-67.
Hailed as the Best Player of the Game was Chester Tolomia, who collected 25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.
On the other hand, the Firefighters were led by Kurt Amores and Gilbert Malabanan.
The Scores:
First Game
Judiciary Magis 76—C. Tolomia 25, C. Camaso 14, W. Ybanez 10, A. Capus 9, C. Roma 6, H. Bergonio 5, J. Rabino 4, V. Puno 2, F. Salamat 1
BFP Firefighters 67—J. Jayona 15, K. Amores 15, G. Malabanan 14, A. Lim 12, M. Adolfo 6, G. Botin 2, D. Macato 2
QUARTER SCORES 21-18, 41-31, 61-48, 76-67
Second Game
MMDA Black Wolves 87—C. Santiago 23, P. Villanueva 17, M. Guittap 16, J. Sanders 13, A. Olaya 6, H. Monzon 4, J. Decena 4, E. Idria 2, B. Panican 2,
NHA Builders 79—A. Vitug 32, M. Mercado 16, J. Dizon 12, A. Lustestica 8, W. Tibay 6, S. Crisostomo 3, M. Sani 2
QUARTER SCORES 19-16, 46-24, 65-52, 87-79
Third Game
PNP Responders 87—J. Criste 22, O. Omiping 17, J. Misola 12, A. Tolentino 10, A. Yanquiling 9, R. Cabrera 5, C. Elopre 4, H. Sta. Cruz 3
AFP Cavaliers 67—J. Quiambao 22, B. Bautista 13, P. Fernandez 10, W. Casulla 10, A. Zuniga 8, R. Araneta 4
QUARTER SCORES 22-19, 43-41, 59-62, 82-67