Judiciary smothers MMDA five, gains semis

MANILA, Philippines – Judiciary clobbered Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), 77-62, to clinch an outright semifinal berth even as defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) advanced to the quarterfinals in the fifth UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center over the weekend.

Ariel Capuz sizzled for 23 points while Chester Tolomia chipped in 21 points to lead the Judiciary Magi to the semis with an 8-2 record.

The AFP Cavaliers, on the other hand, rode on a big second quarter run to down early semifinalist Bureau of Customs, 96-91, and nail a quarters spot in the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.

With ex-Letran star Boyet Bautista presiding over the team’s attack, the AFP Cavaliers outscored the Transformers, 23-15, to take a 49-43 halftime lead then held sway the rest of the way to post a 6-4 mark.

The 5-foot-6 Bautista, who had a brief PBA stint, finished with 25 points for the Cavaliers who dealt the Transformers their second straight defeat in the tournament offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team.

Jeffrey Quiambao and Eugene Tan added 14 and 9 points, respectively, as the Cavaliers spoiled the return of playing-coach Kenneth Duremdes, who along with other PBA legends, played a couple of exhibition games in the United Kingdom.

Duremdes led the Transformers with 22 points while Marlou Aquino was held to just 13 points.

Despite their back-to-back setbacks, the Transformers still secured the No. 1 spot, having beaten the Magi in the first round.

Philippine National Police can finish with the same 8-2 mark if it beats Malacañang on Sunday but will settle for third after losing to Customs and AFP in the first round.