AFP, PNP try to seal UNTV title clash

MANILA, Philippines -  Top seed Armed Forces of the Philippines and No. 2 Philippine National Police seek to arrange a title showdown when they take on their respective semifinal rivals in the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off at the Pasig City Sports Center tomorrow.

The AFP Cavaliers collide with the Department of Justice Boosters at 3 p.m. while the PNP Responders take on the Judiciary Magi at 5 p.m.

For finishing 1-2 in the single-round elims, both AFP and PNP need only to win the opener of their semis series to arrange a title clash.

Led by Gen. Gener del Rosario, Jonathan Abutin, and William Gonzales, the Cavaliers clinched the top seeding after beating the Responders, 94-86, at the close of the elims.

The Cavaliers are also coming off a convincing 82-68 triumph over the Magi last June 11.

Also expected to deliver for the Cavaliers is Gen. Mel Feleciano.

Court Administrator Midas Marquez, on the other hand, is expected to lead the Magi’s bid after firing 20 points in the team’s 83-68 drubbing of the Senate Sentinels.

The Responders, on the other hand, will again rely on Supt. Oscar Albayalde, Decter Vitug and Anthony Padua.

The tournament is put up by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon for the country’s public servants. He said one of the beneficiaries of the league will be the Samahan Ng Mga Dating Professional na Basketbolita ng Pilipinas Foundation – PBA players who played only from 1975 to 1990.