TWO-time champion Armed Forces of the Philippines, Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission and National Housing Authority scored big wins in the 7th UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports in Pasig City.
The AFP Cavaliers drew 26 points from former Letran star Boyet Bautista and waylaid the Department of Justice Boosters, 109-87, while the Malacañang Kamao got double-digit scores from six players to dump the Ombudsman Graft Busters, 101-72.
The NHA Builders needed a decisive run midway through the payoff period to surprise the Judiciary Magis, 73-68, in the tournament offering P4 million to the charity of the champion team.
AFP’s win put the Cavaliers on level with opening-day winner and defending champion Senate while Malacañang and NHA tied Department of Agriculture for the early Group B lead.
With Bautista and former amateur standout Eugene Tan leading AFP, the Cavaliers moved ahead early 32-16 and held on for the win in the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.
While AFP and Malacañang scored similar breezy wins, the Builders needed the heroics of Marvin Mercado and Alvin Vitug to beat the Magis.
Mercado posted a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds to share the Best Player award with Vitug who tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
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