AFP keeps clean card in UNTV Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces of the Philippines demolished House of Representatives, 111-98, and stayed unbeaten in Group B elims of the fourth UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City over the weekend.

Former PBA player Boyet Bautista and Joel Jabar led the Cavaliers’ attack with 17 and 16 points, respectively, pumping in the bulk of their output in the first quarter that saw AFP take a 30-22 lead.

The Cavaliers sustained their form the rest of the way to extend their winning streak to four while handing the Solons their second defeat in three starts in the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.

In Group A matches, Senate snapped a two-game skid with a 72-67 win over Government Service Insurance System while National Housing Authority rode on the late game heroics of Tony Lustestica to beat Malacañang, 90-78.

With their wins, Senate and NHA forged a three-way tie for second with 2-2 cards. Philippine National Police remains at the helm with a 3-1 mark.

The Senate Defenders bucked the absence of playing-coach Kenneth Duremdes as Emmanuel Baltazar and Marlon Legaspi erupted for 29 and 15 points respectively. They also combined for 22 boards.

Lustestica, on the other hand, exploded for 32 points, including 10 of the team’s last 28 points to frustrate the Malacañang Patriots.

The champion team in the 12-team tournament gets P2 million which it will donate to its chosen charity.