Cavaliers, Magis near finale

MANILA, Philippines — Three-time champion Armed Forces of the Philippines and Judiciary inched closer to a projected title clash after besting their respective rivals at the start of the best-of-three semis series in the 9th UNTV Cup Wednesday at the Paco Arena.

Behind the troika of former PBA player Boyet Bautista, Jerry Lumongsod and Darwin Cordero, the AFP Cavaliers destroyed the NHA Home Masters, 91-79, while the Judiciary Magis rallied gallantly to beat the PNP Responders, 74-65.

AFP and Judiciary will try to finish off their rivals on Sunday in the tournament that offers a tax free P3 million top prize to the chosen charity of the champion team.

In the Executive Face-Off, Senators Bong Go and Joel Villanueva combined for 35 points as the Senate Sentinels outlasted Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez’ Judiciary Magis, 72-69, for their second straight win.

In the other EFO match, Marvin Jason Bayang and Franz Alvarez shone as the OP Executives downed the Ombudsman Graftbusters, 65-56, to likewise notch their second win in the event organized by Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International CEO and president Daniel Razon.