The MMDA Black Wolves overcame a twice-to-beat advantage by the Malacanang Patriots to win by 13 points, 76-63, to reach the UNTV Cup 2’s semifinals stage on June 1 (Sunday) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Patriots did not go down easily with their inside game working, keeping them in the lead for the entire first half and finishing the half with a 35-32 lead.

The MMDA’s vaunted running game started to roll during the second half, with a Peter John Villanueva jumper giving the Black Wolves their first taste of the lead at 41-40.

The Black Wolves were relentless in their fastbreak attacks in the second half, posting their biggest lead of the game at 15 points, 68-53, halfway through the fourth quarter.

MMDA also gave a premium on defense, keeping Malacanang’s captain and inside enforcer Paul Yamamoto and shooter Rodney Daniel to just three points apiece.

Malacanang also missed the services of their reinforcement player Jenkins Mesina, who was still unable to play due to injury.

MMDA’s playmaker Peter John Villanueva was the game’s best player, finishing with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

Reinforcement forward Jeffrey Sanders gave the much needed support for the MMDA five with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

The UNTV Cup 2 semifinals starts on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena. The Judiciary Magis and the AFP Cavaliers meet at 3:00 p.m. while the MMDA Black Wolves clashes with the PNP Responders at 4:30 p.m.

(Written by Jerlo Kevin Rialp)