Responders test PhilHealth 5 mettle in UNTV Cup

Games tomorrow

3:30 p.m. – Agriculture vs PhilHealth

5 p.m. – PNP vs GSIS

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police kicks off its title campaign against GSIS while PhilHealth Plus seeks an explosive debut versus Agriculture when action in the seventh UNTV Cup resumes tomorrow at the Pasig City Sports Center.

Led by former UE standout Ollan Omiping, the PNP Responders collide with the GSIS Furies at 5 p.m. with the former slightly favored over the team seeking its finals appearance in the annual tournament for public servants.

The two-time MVP said they are seeking redemption after failing to get past the quarterfinal round last year following their title romp in 2016.  

“We really want to rebound and make it back to the Final Four, at least,” said Omiping.

Others expected to deliver for the Responders are ABL veteran Harold Sta. Cruz, 6-foot-4 Cyril Santiago, and Rollie Errano.

The PhilHealth Plus, meanwhile, tackles the Agriculture Food Masters at 3:30 p.m. in the event offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team.

The winners in both matches will tie the idle Senate Defenders, who launched their title-retention bid with a thrilling 73-70 win over the Philippine International Trading Corporation Global Traders in the opener last Monday.

The 12 participating teams have been divided into two groups with Senate, AFP, PNP, GSIS, DOJ and PITC comprising Group A two-time champion Judiciary, Malacañang-PSC, Agriculture, NHA, Ombudsman and PhilHealth in Group B.