Cavaliers, Responders rout UNTV rivals

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces used a strong start and a stronger finish to demolish National Housing Authority, 90-71, while Philippine National Police swooped down on Department of Justice, 90-72, at the start of the third UNTV Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City last Monday.

Winston Sergio, Willy Casulla and Rolando Pascua imposed their will in the paint as the AFP Cavaliers posted double-digit leads early before unleashing another torrid run in the third period en route to their lopsided win in Group B.

The 6-foot-1 Casulla led AFP with 16 points on an impressive 5-of-7 shooting from the field while Sergio and Pascua combined for 24 points and Leslie Cabayao hit two triples that helped them pull away for good in the third.

The PNP Responders matched the Cavaliers’ hot start in the annual event presented by UNTV through multi-awarded broadcaster Daniel Razon as they whipped the Boosters behind former UE mainstay Ollan Omiping’s 28-point, 12-rebound performance.

Razon, known in the broadcast industry as Mr. Public Service, made the ceremonial toss with the assistance of commissioner Atoy Co and other UNTV bigwigs before a huge crowd.

Politicians, celebrities and sports personalities graced the opening, among them Senators Ralph Recto and Sonny Angara, Reps. Niel Tupas Jr., Roman Romulo, Franz Alvarez and Scott Davis, Sec. Joel Villanueva, Justice Mida Marquez and former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes.