THE Malacañang-PSC Kamao barged into the semifinals and eliminated the Judiciary Magis following a 79-84 win in the quarterfinals of the UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.
The Kamao, who played without team captain Christian Luanzon, were led by their Best Players of the Game Eric Dela Cuesta and Vishnu das Javier to stun the Magis.
“Si Christian pinadala ng PSC sa Abra, may clinic. Para sa kanya rin itong game na ito. Kahit wala si Chris, ipinakita ng teammates niya ang talagang laban,” said Kamao assistant coach Raffy Gonzalez.
Meanwhile, the Senate Defenders ousted the PNP Responders, 74-66.
The Responders were in control of the game until the last minute, succumbing to the heroics of Best Player of the Game Garri Sevilla, who recorded 22 points, 5 rebounds and one assist.
Sevilla drew ample support from Jeffrey Sanders, James Ryan Mangaran, Harly Ng and Marlon Legaspi.
Senators Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara, with their leadership and performance, also contributed to the win.
“Iyon naman talaga ang goal since Day 1 (to reach the semifinals). And we’re just so happy we’re playing really well and I think we finally figured out among ourselves kung ano ang character ng team, which is we’re not going to win unless we play defense,” Sen. Villanueva said.
Senator Angara added: “Siyempre natutuwa kami na natalo namin ang isang napakagaling na koponan. Full credit sa PNP dahil for three quarters mukhang sila ang mananalo at hindi madali ang game na iyon.”
The semifinal round kicks off on Sunday at the Pasig City Sports Center, where the NHA Builders, with a twice-to-beat advantage, face the Malacanang-PSC Kamao in the first game at 3 p.m.
At 4:30 p.m., the Senate Defenders take on the AFP Cavaliers, who have a twice-to-beat advantage.
Games on Sunday
(Pasig City Sports Center)
3 p.m. NHA VS Malacañang-PSC
4:30 p.m. Senate VS AFP