FORMER University of the East star Olan Omiping scored 17 of his 25 points in the payoff period as Philippine National Police came up with an 81-73 come-from-behind win over Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission on Sunday to boost its bid for an outright semis berth in the 7th UNTV Cup at the Meralco gym in Pasig City.
The PNP Responders started slow, trailing the Kamao in the first three quarters before the wily Omiping took matters into his own hands, outscoring the entire Kamao side with variety of shots in leading the team to its fifth straight win and seventh overall in nine games.
The Responders tallied 30 points in the fourth while holding the Kamao to just 13 to put themselves in a position of clinching one of two outright semis berths.
The Kamao slipped to 6-2, their own bid for an automatic semis berth now depends in their game against league-leading Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Cavaliers, backstopped by former Letran star Boyet Bautista and ABL veteran Harold Sta. Cruz, are sporting a 7-1 card in the event offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team.
Malacañang must beat AFP by 11 points or more to advance outright to the semis of the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon for public servants.
Meanwhile, defending champion Senate outlasted Judiciary, 64-63, behind Harly Ng and Reynaldo Malaga, Jr.
Ng scored 13 and Malaga added 11 as the Defenders finished the second round with a 6-3 mark. Garri Sevilla and former PBA player Jeff Sanders combined for 21 points for the Defenders of coach Mike Fermin.
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