Congress stops Judiciary, shares UNTV Cup lead

MANILA, Philippines - Congress-LGU leaned on Ervin Vijandre’s game-long brilliance to repulse Judiciary, 99-95, to join three others in the early lead in the first UNTV Cup basketball tournament at the Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City last Sunday.

Vijandre, a former La Salle hurler, sizzled with a tournament-best 38 points, including a split off CIBAC party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna in the last 16 seconds to hold off the rallying Judiciary side and preserve the victory.

Congress-LGU led by 12 points, 70-58, late in the third period but Judiciary fought back behind former PBA cager Don Camaso, Ariel Capus and John Hall, coming to within, 95-97, with 40 seconds left in the contest.

“I’m in good shape because I’ve been actively playing basketball the last few months. But at the same time, luck is with me in this game,” said the 27-year-old Vijandre, a former starting pitcher for La Salle in the UAAP.

The event, organized by Breakthrough and Milestones Production International (BMPI), headed by CEO and chairman Daniel Razon, drew seven teams, each allowed to reinforce their respective rosters with two celebrities.

The champion will receive P1 million while the runner-up will get P500,000 to be donated to their charitable institutions. 

In other results, PhilHealth demolished Department of Justice, 138-43, while Philippine National Police whipped Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), 117-69.