Builders, Traders press UNTV campaign

MANILA, Philippines — National Housing Authority (NHA) and Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) firmed up their semis bids by downing their respective rivals at the start of the quarterfinal round of the 8th UNTV Cup held recently at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The NHA Builders of coach Benneth Palad used a big fourth-quarter assault to end the four-game winning streak of the Judiciary Magis, 67-59, while the PITC Global Traders came through with a 35-point explosion in the second quarter to beat the Department of Agriculture Food Masters, 74-61.

Antonio Lustestica and Alvin Vitug sparked the team’s decisive breakaway by combining for 20 points in the payoff period with the former highlighting the run with two booming treys that shattered a 43-all count.

NHA’s win improved its record to 7-3 in the annual tournament for public servants that offers P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion.

Vitug went on to finish in double-double with 21 points and 11 boards.