Senate, AFP seek UNTV Cup semis

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines and Senate try to nail the last two semifinal berths when they clash with Philippine National Police and Department of Justice, respectively,  in the third UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City tomorrow.

The AFP Cavaliers battle the PNP Responders at 4:30 p.m. with the former needing just a win in their best-of-three series to claim a semis seat.

Mentored by former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes, the Senate Defenders also go for a semis berth when they clash with the DOJ Boosters at 3 p.m. in the tournament put up by multi-awarded broadcaster Daniel Razon as part of their advocacy to keep the country’s public servants in tip-top shape.

Both AFP and Senate gained twice-to-beat privileges after finishing third and fourth, respectively, after the double round elims.

If they win, the Defenders will face No. 2 Judiciary Magis in the semis while the Cavaliers will slug it out with the topnotchers Malacañang Patriots.

The semis series is also a best-of-three affair.

Tipped to lead the Cavaliers are Alvin Zuniga, Rolando Pascual, and defensive specialist Eugene Tan, while former University of the East player Ollan Omiping will spearhead PNP’s attack along with 6-foot-5 Genard Abragan and Julius Criste.

The Cavaliers took the last twice-to-beat bonus by outlasting the Responders, 68-63.

This marks the first time that the Boosters will be playing in the quarters after forgettable showing in the first two editions of the tournament. The Boosters lost all their games on both occasions.

Duremdes will again bank on the power plays of Marlon Legaspi, Emmanuel Baltazar and former UAAP player Samuel Marata.