Cavaliers score UNTV 3-peat

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) became the first three-time champion of the UNTV Cup by sweeping Senate in their best-of-three title series Monday night before a huge crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Getting stellar performances from Jerry Lumongsod, Darwin Cordero and Boyet Bautista, the AFP Cavaliers ousteadied the Senate Defenders, 88-78, in Game 2 in a fitting finish to another year of dominant showing in the tournament for public servants.

Lumongsod erupted for 26 points aside from posting three assists, three steals and a rebound to clinch the Finals MVP in the tournament now on its seventh season. He scored 14 points in the team’s 76-73 win in Game 1.

Also shining for the Cavaliers were Darwin Cordero and former Letran star Boyet Bautista who contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively.

Jeffrey Quiambao added 11 points aside from making life miserable for the usually high-scoring Garri Sevilla who struggled big time and finished with a paltry five points on 2-of-10 shooting from the field.

AFP’s title win was worth P4 million to its beneficiary – the AFP’s Education Benefit Systems Office .

The Cavaliers, who also triumphed in 2024 and 2016, did not go home empty-handed as UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon handed them their P500,000 prize while the dethroned champions got P300,000.