Pasig City – The MMDA Black Wolves completed a big upset win against the defending champions Judiciary Magis, 73-71, in the main game of UNTV Cup’s first round of eliminations over the weekend at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The Black Wolves took advantage of the Magis, whose star center Don Camaso was absent. The Black Wolves pounded the ball inside, scoring with a 40% shooting clip in the game. They also grabbed a 42-28 advantage in rebounding over the Magis.

Judiciary’s John Hall dribbling to get past the formidable defense put up by MMDA ace player Jeffrey Sanders. (Charlie Miñon | Photoville International)

The Judiciary still made a good account of themselves, however, by keeping the game close all throughout. The Magis was also able to pull the score to within a mere three deficit, 72-69, via a clutch straightaway three-pointer by Kevin Enriquez with 21.5 seconds remaining in the game. Still, the Magis missed a golden chance to send the game to overtime as another three-point attempt, this time from the corner by swingman Ariel Capus, got blocked as time runs out.

Ex-pro forward Jeffrey Sanders came out with another MVP-like performance with 27 points, 16 rebounds and 2 steals to lead MMDA’s attack. MMDA’s center Cyril Santiago provided ample support with 16 points and 9 rebounds.

Swingman Ariel Capus carried the Judiciary with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Malacañang forward Paul Yamamoto goes for a lay-up against HOR swingman Gerard Francisco. (Prince Maverick Medina Marquez | Photoville International)

In the first game, the Malacañang Patriots denied the House of Representatives any chance of getting into the second round of eliminations with a big victory, 88-76.

The Solons needed to win over the Patriots by more than 15 points for them to advance to the next round.

Paul Anthony Yamamoto led Malacañang with 16 points while reinforcement Jenkins Mesina added 15 points and 5 rebounds.

HOR’s reinforcements Gerard Francisco and Arnold Gamboa paced the Solons with 19 points apiece.

(Written by Jerlo Kevin Rialp)