Judiciary nears UNTV Cup semifinals

MANILA, Philippines - Judiciary crushed Bureau of Fire Protection, 104-81, to close in on the outright semifinal berth in the third UNTV Cup before a big Sunday crowd at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Former PBA player Ariel Capus turned in a double-double job of 22 points and 22 rebounds as he powered the Magis to their third straight win in the second round of the tournament for a frontrunning 6-1 record.

The Magis can clinch an outright semis berth in the tournament put up by multi-awarded broadcaster Daniel Razon with a victory over the Malacañang Patriots at the end of the elims on Feb. 29.

Capus, who also had three steals and two assists, drew solid backup from former PBA player in Don Camaso and court administrator Jose Midas Marquez, who scored 16 and 15 points, respectively.

The Patriots bounced back from a 63-77 defeat to the Senate Defenders by dumping the Metro Manila Development Authority Blackwolves, 84-68, for a 5-1 record.

Andro Requez led the Patriots with 21 points on top of five boards and two steals.