AFP claims outright UNTV Cup semis slot

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces of the Philippines rallied then held off Philippine National Police, 76-71, to secure the second outright semifinal berth in the fourth UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City over the weekend.

Former pro Boyet Bautista scored seven of his 16 points in the payoff period as the AFP Cavaliers pulled away from a tight contest to pound out the win.

Jeffrey Quiambao and Alvin Zuñiga also delivered, scoring five points each in the clutch that saw the Cavaliers outscore the PNP Responders, 25-15, and complete their come-from-behind win.

AFP finished tied with Metro Manila Development Authority at 7-2 but clinched the top seeding in the annual tournament for Manila’s public servants via the winner-over-the-other rule.

National Housing Authority, meantime, took the last quarterfinal berth by beating Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP), 81-74.

NHA’s win forced a five-way tie for third with PNP, BFP, reigning titlist Judiciary and Malacañang at 5-4.

PNP finished third by virtue of its superior quotient while NHA settled for fourth.

Both Malacañang, which lost to Judiciary in last year’s finials, and Senate (3-6) were eliminated.

In the quarters, PNP will face Judiciary while NHA will take on BFP again.