MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang drew big games from Samuel Ignacio and Emmanuel Joel Villanueva as it edged Department of Justice, 96-92, to post its second straight win in the third UNTV Cup at the University of Makati over the weekend.
Ignacio sizzled for 18 points on an impressive 7-of-11 shooting from the field while Villanueva, the TESDA director general – added 15 markers as the Patriots grabbed the early lead in Group A elims.
Also stepping for the Patriots in the tournament for the public servants were Paul Anthony Yamamoto and Gerry Gadong, who combined for 30 points.
Malacañang opened its campaign with a 70-65 decision over Bureau of Fire Protection while dealing the DOJ Boosters their second straight loss.
In other games, the Senate Defenders bucked the absence of coach Kenneth Duremdes to down the National Housing Authority Builders, 96-90, while the BFP Firefighters also barged into the win column with a 105-81 drubbing of the House of Representatives Solons.
Sen. Sonny Angara, Marlon Legaspi and Emmanuel Baltazar came through with clutch baskets for the Senate Defenders. The 6-foot-4 Legaspi imposed his will inside the shaded lane to finish with 34 points, including 21 of 30 free throws, while Baltazar and Angara combined for 40 points.
The champion team in the annual event organized by multi-titled broadcaster Daniel S. Razon of UNTV will receive P1.5 million. The prize money, however, will be donated to its chosen beneficiary.