Warriors gain outright semis

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) clinched the second outright semis berth with a 110-93 win over PhilHealth in the 8th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Ed Rivera and Melvin Bangal came through with big shots in a decisive second-quarter attack as the DENR Warriors turned what started as a tight contest into a rout.

Rivera tallied 25 points and eight boards while Bangal was two assists shy from completing a double-double after posting 18 points, nine assists and three boards for the Warriors, who trailed, 31-28, at the end of the first quarter.

Apart from securing an automatic semis slot in the annual tournament for public servants, and offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team, the Warriors tied idle and defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines for the lead at 7-1.

That set a fitting climax to the second round of elims as the Warriors and Cavaliers dispute the top seeding on Sunday in the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.

Department of Agriculture kept its quarterfinal bid alive by downing Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission, 78-68, behind the 26-point performance of former UST hotshot Emerson Oreta.

With the win, the Food Masters finished the second round with a 5-4 mark, tying the Kamao for sixth to seventh places.