MANILA, Philippines - AFP battled back from seven points down in the final quarter then held on to repulse PNP and complete a stirring come-from-behind 74-73 victory in their sudden death for the UNTV Cup Season 2 crown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.
Winston Sergio came through with the big plays down the stretch then the Cavaliers put up one defensive stop at endgame to secure the victory worth P1.5 million. The prize money will be donated to the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO).
Sergio fed Wilfred Casulla for an undergoal stab that shoved the Cavaliers to a 72-71 lead before Roland Pascual nailed a pair of pressure-packed charities to make it a three-point cushion, 34 seconds left in the contest that was close throughout.
League MVP Olan Omiping actually pulled PNP to within a point from the line and the Responders gained a crack at the crown after Pascual muffed a short jumper.