AFP, two others hurdle UNTV rivals

MANILA, Philippines — Two-time champion Armed Forces of the Philippines, Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission and National Housing Authority pulled off victories in contrasting fashions to share the early lead in the seventh UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports in Pasig last weekend.

The AFP Cavaliers drew 26 points from former Letran star Boyet Bautista as they whipped the Department of Justice Boosters, 109-87, while the Malacañang Kamao got double digits from six players to dump the Ombudsman Graft Busters, 101-72.

The NHA Builders, on the other hand, rode on a big surge midway in the payoff period to surprise the Judiciary side of Supreme Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, 73-68, in the tournament offering P4 million to the charity of the champion team.

AFP’s win put the Cavaliers on level with opening day winner and defending champion Senate while Malacañang and NHA tied Department of Agriculture of Sec. Manny Piñol for the early Group B lead.

With Bautista and former amateur standout Eugene Tan presiding over AFP’s attack, the Cavaliers roared to a 32-16 lead which they used as springboard to notch the victory in the annual tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.

A member of the Phl training pool to the 2007 Thailand SEA Games, Erick dela Cuesta and Visnu Das Javier scored 14 points to lead the team’s charge.

While AFP and Malacañang scored similar easy wins, the Builders had to lean on Marvin Mercado and Alvin Vitug to turn back the Magis.

Mercado posted a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds to share the Best Player award with Vitug who tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.