The PhilHealth – Your Partner In Health is a clear favorite to win in their face-off with the Malacañang Patriots in the main game of UNTV Cup eliminations this Sunday, March 16. Action swings back to Ynares Sports Arena for the triple-header that starts 2:00 p.m. (Russel Julio | Photoville International)

PhilHealth aims to clinch their third straight win as they face Malacañang in the main game of UNTV Cup’s triple header on March 16 (Sunday) at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The PhilHealth five is favored to win in the match with their inside advantage anchored on ex-pro slotman Poch Juinio and with their main guns RamilTagupa, Jesson Alfeche and Carlo Capati firing on all cylinders in their last two outings. 

Malacañang is no pushover, however, with center Gregorio Malapit holding his own against the best big men in the league.The Patriots also expects TESDA chief Joel Villanueva and Marlon Bergonioto fuel their run-and-gun game and full court defensive pressure.

With the victory, PhilHealth will strengthen their leadership of Group B and match Group A leader and defending champions Judiciary with an identical 3-0 win-loss card. 

A victory for Malacañang, on the other hand, will put them in a tie for second place in Group B with UNTV Cup Season 1 runner up Philippine National Police.

The main game is scheduled at 5 p.m.

The first game of the triple header features the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aiming to bounce back from heartbreaking losses as they face each other at 2 p.m. 

Amateur star Paul Reguerra of San Sebastian Collegeis expected to lead the way for DOJ with his hot shooting from beyond the arc.

MMDA will be bannered by former professional league swingman Jeff Sanders. Sanders has carried the load for MMDA in their last two outings with almost triple-double performances on both games.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)meets in the second gameat 3:30 p.m. 

Ex-pro Kiko Adriano will again spearhead the LGU attack while the AFP five will depend on their balanced perimeter attack orchestrated by reinforcement point guard Eugene Tan.

UNTV Cup fans can also avail of the free government services available in the game venue through UNTV Cup’s public service booth. Hundreds have already been served by public assistance booths from the various participating government agencies and it is expected to continue for the duration of the league.

The games will be aired live on UNTV 37 with free webcast at UNTVweb.com. 

Team Standings

Group A

• Judiciary 3-0
• AFP 2-1
• LGU 1-1
• DOJ 0-2
• MMDA 0-2

Group B

• Philhealth 2-0
• PNP 2-1
• Malacanang 1-1
• Senate 1-2
• HOR 0-2

(Written by Jerlo Kevin Rialp)