AFP blasts Malacañang-PSC

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) got off to a strong start and beat Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission, 98-87, to secure the top seeding at the close of the elimination round in the seventh UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

Through the hot-shooting of former Philippine team member Boyet Bautista and Dave Cordero, the AFP Cavaliers erected a 28-16 first quarter lead and kept their level of energy till the end to finish the two-round elims with the best record of 8-1.

For the third straight time, Cordero led the two-time champions with 22 points, including eight in the payoff period.

For finishing 1-2 in the elims, AFP and Philippine National Police (7-2) advanced outright to the semis while the Kamao slipped to No. 3.

Malacañang-PSC, defending champion Senate, PITC and National Housing Authority play a round robin in the quarterfinals starting Sunday with the top two finishers advancing.