GSIS Furies shock Responders in UNTV Cup

MANILA, Philippines — The GSIS Furies rode on James Abugan and Rene Boy Banzali’s big game to stun the Philippine Responders, 87-83, in the seventh UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports in Pasig last weekend.

Abugan erupted for 31 points and pulled down 10 rebounds while Banzali sizzled with 27 markers as they powered the Furies to the four-point victory in the annual tournament offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion and P2 million to the runner-up.

With the duo scoring almost at will, the Furies fought back from 60-65 down early in the payoff period on their way to catching the defending titlists Senate Defenders at the helm in Group A of the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.

It was a sorry setback for the Responders, who led majority of the way only to crumble in the crunch in the face of GSIS’s sticky defense.

Former UE standout Ollan Omiping led the Responders with 21 points.

In Group B match, the Agriculture Food Masters spoiled the debut of PhilHealth Plus as it scored a 105-95 win.

The Food Masters overcame a poor start as they put their act together in the second half through the sniping of former UST starter Emerson Oreta, who drilled in the bulk of his 23-point output in the fourth period.