MANILA, Philippines - PhilHealth built enough cushion in the absence of top gun Ervic Vijandre and went on to fashion out a 98-73 victory over Congress-LGU in the first UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last Sunday.
Carlo Timothy Capati and Kenneth Emata fired 24 and 20 points, respectively, for PhilHealth, which raced to a 27-point bulge in the first half en route to victory, their second in as many starts.
Vijandre, who sizzled with 38 points in Congress-LGU’s opening day romp over Judiciary, missed the first half action to honor a previous commitment but still shot 35 points despite playing only in the second half.
Philippine National Police outlasted Armed Forces of the Philippines, 72-69, to tie PhilHealth in the lead.
Former UAAP hotshot Olan Omiping came away with 23 points for PNP, which made crucial stops late in the fourth period to pull off the hard-earned victory.