The defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines Cavaliers and Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission Kamao stake their unbeaten runs when they go up against their respective rivals on Sunday in the 8th UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports center.
AFP and Malacañang lead their respective group elims with similar 4-0 records but the latter will be put to a serious test when it faces newcomer but dangerous Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the lone Group B elims match set at 5 p.m.
The DENR Warriors are also undefeated in three games in the annual tournament for public servants—their latest win was an 86-65 thumping of the two-time champions Judiciary Magis.
Bidding to become the first back-to-back champions in the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon, the AFP Cavaliers tackle the Ombudsman Graftbusters at 3:30 p.m. in Group A.
Other Group A match pits the SSS Kabalikat against the PhilHealth Plus with the former out to nail their first win in four games.
The Kabalikat tote a 1-3 mark in the event, where the chosen charity of the champion team will be getting a tax-free P4 million prize, while the runner-up’s foundation will receive P2 million.
Out to carry the load for Cavaliers are former Letran star Boyet Bautista, Dave Cordero and Eugene Tan while the Kamao will be bannered by Erick dela Cuesta, Joseph Roque and Jeffrey Punsalan.
The DENR Warriors will once again rely on the quartet of Ralph Lansang, Desiderio Ayson, Ed Rivera and Arturo Atablanco, who all scored in double figures the last time.