AFP’s star forward Wilfredo Casulla (#15) grabs the rebound for the Cavaliers. AFP won against MMDA, 89-78.
(Prince Marquez / Photoville International)

The PhilHealth Advocates, PNP Responders, and AFP Cavaliers dominated their rivals in the third eliminations week of UNTV Cup 2 yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

In the first game, the PhilHealth Advocates relied on their on-target shooting and suffocating defense to win by a huge 41-point margin over the Senate Defenders, 103-62.

It was a balanced attack for the Advocates, with 4 players scoring in double figures, led by 14 points from Carlo Capati.

It was the game’s best player Alex Noriega that made the biggest difference as he made it hard for Senate’s star ex-pro Kenneth Duremdes to dominate the game, limiting him to just 33% shooting.

“Nagkaisa naman kami, kaya nanalo ngayon. Sabi lang ni coach wag lang tataas sa ulo yung kumpyansa, pagka nanalo, sa susunod uli. One game at a time, ika nga ni coach (We unite that’s why we won today. Our coach (Delio Aseron II) only said not to let our confidence go beyond our head, if we win, then next time again. One game at a time like what our coach has said),” said Noriega of the balanced attack by the Advocates.

Duremdes made 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Defenders, who have Senator Jinggoy Estrada in the stands to support their team.

The second game showcased the PNP Responders winning in style against the House of Representatives Solons, 91-68.

Season 1 MVP Olan Omiping spearheaded the PNP’s attack with a scintillating 26-point performance highlighted by 4 three-pointers. Best player of the game Ronaldo Abaya provided the much-needed support for Omiping with 14 points and 5 rebounds.

“Number 1 talaga yung depensa namin tapos i-control yung rebound. Yung transition game, dahil yun nga yung sistema namin noong first season, gusto naming maibalik yun this season (Number 1 is really our defense then control the rebound. The transition game, because it was the system we used in the first season, we want that back this season),” PO2 Abaya said.

HOR’s reinforcement, ex-pro Gerard Francisco paced the Solons with 22 points.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada shows his support for the Senate team as he sits at the Defenders bench during their match with the Philhealth Advocates.

The AFP Cavaliers showed their poise in the stretch as they won against the MMDA Black Wolves, 89-78.

The Cavaliers dominated for most of the ballgame until the MMDA Black Wolves made a furious run in the fourth that brought AFP’s lead down to just 4, midway through the last quarter. The Cavaliers kept their focus and made timely baskets to bring the lead back to double digits and finally clinch the victory.

AFP reinforcement player Eugene Tan starred for the Cavaliers in a perfect 8/8 from the field to finish with 14 points and 6 rebounds.

Best player of the game Paulino Fernandez provided the inside muscle for the Cavaliers as he scored 10 points.

“Ngayon lang ako nakapaglaro talaga. Kulang talaga ng bigman ang AFP kaya talagang sa laban na ito talagang pinaghandaan ko talaga (I was able to play just today. AFP is lacking of a bigman so I really prepared for this game),” stressed SSG. Fernandez of the Philippine Air Force.

Former PBA swingman Jeffrey Sanders finished with an impressive stats line of 23 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals to carry the MMDA Black Wolves.

(Written by Jerlo Kevin Rialp)