THE quarterfinal round of the UNTV Cup Season 5 begins Sunday at the Pasig City Sports Center, with the Malacañang Kamao taking on the AFP Cavaliers at 5 p.m. and the PNP Responders fighting the BFP Firefighters in the opening schedule at 3 p.m.
The Policemen boast of a twice-to-beat advantage over the Firefighters, who are in a win-or-go-home situation.
That is why the Firemen are working hard for the all-out battle.
“Masyadong mataas ang adrenaline ng bawat team, so we will do double our efforts para lalong lumakas ang team,” BFP Regional Director Aloveel Ferrer said.
BFP coach Ramon Garcia takes pride in the recent accomplishments of his team, the biggest one of which is toppling the powerhouse BOC Transformers.
“I think habang tumatagal ‘yung league nagkakaroon kami team work kaya medyo lumalakas ‘yung team,” said Garcia.
On the other hand, PNP mentor Ernie Sta. Cruz is up for the challenge posed by the BFP.
“Babalik kami sa last game namin, at the same time babalik kami sa mga games. Nanalo sila, so mag-aaral ulit kami, preparation pa rin kami,” said Sta. Cruz.
On the other hand, the Malacañang Kamao is confident of making the semifinal round as they conveniently hold a twice-to-beat advantage over the AFP Cavaliers.
But the Cavaliers, being the league’s defending champions, trust their championship-caliber offense and defense.
“I told the team, ‘Guys, we must not lose. We are the defending champions.’ Hard work during practice, teamwork, nothing must change, continuous practice,” AFP Cavaliers head coach CPL Cornelio “Sonny” Manucat III said.
The action-packed double-header can be watched live at the venue for free or on UNTV and online via untvweb.com.
Games Sunday
(Pasig City Sports Center)
3 p.m. PNP Responders vs BFP Firefighters (3PM)
5 p.m. Malacañang Kamao vs. AFP (Cavaliers) (5PM)