Photo by Charlie Miñon, Photoville International

Malacañan Kamao goes for its fourth win against the reigning champion AFP Cavaliers as the end of first round eliminations of UNTV Cup Season 5 comes nigh.

Today’s trio of live games will tip off with GSIS Furies facing NHA Builders at 2 pm, followed by Senate Defenders against BFP Firefighters and the Kamao/Cavaliers finale. All games will be held at the Pasig City Sports Center.

Coming off a lopsided 92-77 win against BFP, Kamao will look to strengthen their hold on the top spot in Group A. The team will be led once again by ex-PBA player Ian Garrido who finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in their last outing.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Quiambao and Boyet Bautista will lead the charge for the AFP Cavaliers as they look to bounce back from a shocking defeat to BFP Firefighters two weeks ago.

Photo by Lian San Miguel Opol, Photoville International

The winner in the opener between the Furies and Builders of Group B, both holding a 1-2 win-loss slate, will improve their chances of making it to the next round.

In their last game, GSIS notched their first win after trouncing the listless DOJ Justice Boosters, 94-84. Rene Banzali and James Abugan scored a combined 50 points for the Furies.

The NHA Builders will be led by reigning MVP Antonio Lustestica who scored 29 big points in their stunner against the HOR Solons.

Photo by Madz Milana, Photoville International

Moreover, BFP aims to secure their spot in the top four of Group A as they face the winless Senate Defenders. The Firefighters two-game winning streak ended after a defeat against the Kamao.

Heading into the 2nd round of the season, only the top four teams in each group are advancing. With Senate eliminated in the race in Group A, the Ombudsman, MMDA, BFP, and AFP will battle it out for the remaining tickets. In the other group, BOC secured their spot as they’re still unbeaten after four games. DOJ, with a 0-4 record, is in the brink of elimination.

Games Today (Oct. 30)
Pasig City Sports Complex

2:00 p.m. – GSIS Furies vs NHA Builders
3:30 p.m. – Senate Defenders vs BFP Firefighters
5:00 p.m. – AFP Cavaliers vs Malacañan Kamao

Team Standings
Group A
Malacañan 3-0
AFP 2-1
BFP 2-1
MMDA 2-2
Ombudsman 1-2
Senate 0-4

Group B
BOC 4-0
Judiciary 2-1
PNP 2-1
HOR 2-2
NHA 1-2
GSIS 1-2
DOJ 0-4

Written by John Kenneth B. Jaramilla