Builders smother Furies, bolster UNTV Final 4 bid

MANILA, Philippines — National Housing Authority rode on a fiery second quarter charge to beat the GSIS Furies, 99-88, and gain a playoff for an outright semis berth in the sixth UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center over the weekend.

Trailing, 21-27, after the first 10 minutes of play, the NHA Builders exploded for 35 points in the next frame behind Antonio Lustestica and Alvin Vitug as they raced to a 56-49 lead which they sustained to the finish for an 8-2 record.

Lustestica led six NHA players in double figures with 27 points while Vitug and John Dizon chipped in 17 and 16 markers, respectively, as the Builders foiled the Furies’ own bid for an automatic semis berth in the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.

“We started flat but the boys recovered their form,” said NHA coach Bennet Palad.