Traffic aide lifts Metro past NHA in UNTV

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) drew big games from Ermel Idria and Max Guittap to eke out a 104-96 overtime win over National Housing Authority and complete the second round cast of the 3rd UNTV Cup Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

A traffic aide, Idria came through with clutch baskets in the extra five minutes to help the Black Wolves notch their second win in Group B elims that secured for them the last ticket to the next phase of the tournament presented by UNTV through the initiative of multi-awarded broadcaster Daniel Razon.

Mentored by former La Salle ace Johnedel Cardel, the Black Wolves finished the elims tied with Government Service Insurance System with similar 2-3 records but took the fourth and final seat in their group elims by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule.

Idria finished with 19 points, four assists and three steals.

Meanwhile, Malacañang completed a four-game sweep of Group A elims with a 92-70 drubbing of House of Representatives – thanks to the 18-point and eight-rebound performance of Melvin Verches.

In other Group B match, Armed Forces of the Philippines played like a true champion and downed Senate, 88-77.

The game was marked by several twists and turns until burly forward Rolando Pascual sizzled to give the reigning champions a big lift to finish the elims tied for second to third with the Senate Defenders at 3-2.