DENR Warriors crowned UNTV champs

MANILA , Philippines — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) completed its own Cinderella story, sweeping Armed Forces of the Philippines in their best-of-three title series to rule the 8th UNTV Cup last Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The high-scoring duo of Ed Rivera and Ralph Lansang produced huge numbers once again as the DENR Warriors withstood the AFP Cavaliers’ repeated rallies to prevail in Game 2, 99-91, and become the first newcomer to win the tournament since the Judiciary won the inaugural event eight years ago.

In a follow-up to his 15-point performance in the team’s 90-73 win in the opener on March 1, Rivera fired 24 points, including 12 in the payoff period, to emerge as the Finals MVP.

He got able support from Lansang and Ryan Abanes, who drilled in 22 and 20 points, respectively. Former Letran star Boyet Bautista led AFP with 29 points.

For winning the title against a team looking to become the first-to-back champion of the league, the Warriors’ chosen charity – the Environmental Heroes Foundation Inc. – received a tax-free P4 million top prize from UNTV president Dr. Daniel Razon.

AFP Educational Benefits System Office, the chosen charity of AFP, got P2 million while NHA’s Provident Fund Association Inc. received P1 million for third place in the annual event sponsored by Bro. Eli Soriano of Ang Dating Daan and Members Church of God International.