Games tomorrow (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
3 p.m. – AFP vs Malacañang
4:30 p.m. – Judiciary vs Senate
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang and Judiciary try to seal a title showdown when they go up against separate rivals tomorrow at the start of their respective best-of-three semis series in the UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Malacañang Patriots clash with the defending champions Armed Forces of the Philippines Cavaliers at 3 p.m., while the Judiciary Magis tackle the Senate Defenders at 4:30 p.m.
The twice-to-beat Patriots and the Magis, who finished 1-2 in the elims, need only to win tomorrow to arrange a best-of-three title series.
UNTV’s multi-awarded broadcaster Daniel Razon said the champion in the tournament designed for the public servants will get the opportunity to donate the P2 million prize to its chosen beneficiary.
Aside from their twice-to-beat bonus, the Patriots also enjoy a big psychological edge, having beaten the defending champions in the first round elims, 79-76.
Tipped to lead the Patriots charge are Melvin Verches, Andro Requez, Paul Anthony Yamamoto and TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva, while former collegiate standout Rolando Pascual and Wilfredo Casulla Jr. will spearhead AFP’s attack.
The Cavaliers secured a semis berth by downing the Philippine National Police Responders, 63-59.
Led by former PBA players Don Camaso and Ariel Capus, and Justice Midas Marquez, the Magis also beat the Defenders in the elims but they hard-pressed to repeat over the boys of coach Kenneth Duremdes.
The Defenders, for one, are on roll, having won their last five games, including an 80-78 overtime win over the Department of Justice Boosters in the quarters last Sunday.
A former PBA MVP, Duremdes will once again bank on Marlon Legaspi, Emmanuel Baltazar, Reynaldo Malaga Jr. and Sen. Sonny Angara.