The Senate Sentinels extended the woes of the AFP Cavaliers, pulling off a close 79-77 win in the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off at the Pasig City Sports Center on Sunday.
The Sentinels used a 5-0 run in the closing minutes to grab their third straight win and kept the Cavaliers winless in three starts.
“’Yung mga ganitong games, kailangan namin ito toughen more ‘di ba? So ‘yung ganitong panalo na grinding kami all throughout the game, ‘yun ang kailangan namin talaga,” said Senate head coach Mike Fermin.
Warren Tan scored 23 points, hauled 13 rebounds and had 3 steals, while Ryan Neil Endaya finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks to lead the Sentinels.
Meanwhile, the PNP Responders frustrated the Judiciary Magis, 81-75.
The Magis claimed an early lead against the Responders, but the PNP cagers bounced back in the second half and seized a 6-point lead to stay, 81-75.
“Salamat sa lahat ng players, nakikinig sila sa idini-design namin, talagang nagsipag sila, they play with their heart, talagang puso pinairal nila kahit medyo pagod na pinipilit pa rin nila.” PNP Head Coach Alfred Suarez said.
Judiciary coach Warren Ybañez lamented his players’ lack of conditioning.
“Resistensya siguro (ang problem), kinapos mga players ko. Pagdating ng huli, tinakbuhan na kami ng fast breaks,” Ybañez said.
PNP’s PSupt Joshua Alejandro emerged as the Best Player with 26 points, 3 rebounds, one steal and a block.
Meanwhile, the DOJ Justice Boosters gained its first win after defeating the GSIS Thunder Furies, 75-43
Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit claimed the Best Player of the Game title with 11 points and 2 rebounds.
“Nakita namin ang mali namin the last time, kinapos ng hangin. So, kailangan talaga ng ensayo. You have to get the energy to finish, to have it until the end game,” said Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon.
