MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police rode on a big fourth quarter explosion to beat Armed Forces of the Philippines, 74-64, and move within a win from bagging the UNTV Cup Season 2 crown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig last Sunday.
The Responders leaned on the efforts of Harold Decena and Harold Sta. Cruz took over in the last 10 minutes as the Responders poured in 30 points to blast the Cavaliers at the start of their best-of-three series.
Decena fired 15 points while the 6-5 Sta. Cruz hauled down 17 rebounds to complete a double-double performance with 12 points. He also finished with five assists, two steals and a block.
The duo combined for nine points in the fourth as the Responders broke away from a tight 44-all count to win pulling away.
PNP goes for the clincher on July 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Earlier, last year’s champion Judiciary thwarted MMDA down the stretch to eke out an 84-81 victory and clinch third place honors.
Kevin Enriquez shot 17 points for the Magis, who led by as many at 17 points early before the Black Wolves made one final push down the stretch.
Judiciary received P250,000 for finishing third and MMDA took home P150,000 which will be donated to their chosen beneficiaries.