THE Senate Defenders defeated the AFP Cavaliers on Sunday at the Meralco Gym, 86-80, to book its first trip to the finals of the League of Public Servants, the UNTV Cup.
The first two quarters were dominated by the Cavaliers, who led by 8 points at the half, 43-35.
But the Defenders regrouped in the second half, mustering all energy and skills to cripple the Cavaliers in all aspects of the game.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng supporters namin. Doon kumuha ng enerhiya at lakas ang aming players, doon sa support ng aming mga fans at siyempre gusto namin panalunin talaga ang championship para sa beneficiaries namin from Kythe Foundation [young cancer survivors] and Pangarap Foundation. Thank you sa UNTV,” said Sen. Sonny Angara.
On the other hand, Sen. Joel Villanueva added: “Sabi namin babalik kami, gagawin namin lahat, work hard, play defense, teamwork. To God be the glory! Kasi ang mga pina-practice namin, lumabas sa game.”
The Senate Defenders will face the Malacañang-PSC Kamao in the best-of-three finals series after the President’s men demolished the NHA Builders’ twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.
The knockout battle for third will be between the AFP Cavaliers and the NHA Builders on March 4, 3 p.m. at the Pasig City Sports Center. Also on that play date is the start of Malacañang-PSC-Senate Game 1.
The champion gets P4 million, first runner up receives P2 million, second runner up pockets P1 Million while the third runner up will be awarded P500,000 on the play-for-charity basketball league originated by Public Service Advocate BMPI-UNTV CEO Daniel Razon.
Games on Sunday
(Pasig City Sports Center)
3 p.m. – NHA vs AFP
(Battle For Third KO match)
4:30 p.m. – Senate vs Malacañang-PSC
UNTV Cup Season 6 Finals Schedule
Game 1: March 4 – Pasig City
Sports Center
Game 2: March 12 – Smart-
Araneta Coliseum
Game 3: March 13 – Smart-Araneta Coliseum (in case needed)