PNP, PDEA advance in UNTV Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Philippine National Police dropped a 68-76 setback to Government Services and Insurance System but still clinched the last berth in the second round in Group A while Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also got a free ride in Group B of the sixth UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque.

The PNP Responders finished tied for fourth with Bureau of Fire Protection at 3-3 but took the last slot due to the winner-over-the-other rule.

PNP will thus join Senate, two-time champion Armed Forces of the Philippines and GSIS in the next round of the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.

Leslie Cabayao fired 21 points while former Letran star Boyet Bautista added 14 markers as the AFP Cavaliers scored a 92-71 rout of the Department of Health Achievers to finish second behind Senate in their group.

Both teams wound up with 5-1 cards but the Senate Defenders took the top spot via the tiebreaker.

The PDEA Drug Busters, on the other hand, secured the last berth from their group – thanks to the Department of Justice Boosters, who routed Ombudsman Graft Busters, 95-73.

PDEA, Department of Agriculture and DOJ ended up with similar 2-4 marks but PDEA took the last seat and joined two-time champion Judiciary, Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission and National Housing Authority in the next round.

In the second round, teams from Group A clash with Group B squads carrying their win-loss records with the top two teams after a single round earning outright semis berths.