GSIS, Senate triumph

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ginebra player Macky Escalona and Jonathan Parreño helped power GSIS to a 94-86 win over Department of Agriculture while Senate kept its unblemished record in the 9th UNTV Cup Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Escalona posted 18 points, five steals, five assists and three rebounds while Parreño scattered 19 points as the GSIS notched its second straight win since dropping its first two games in Group B of the event offering a tax-free P3 million to the chosen charity of the champion team.

The Senate Defenders, meantime, extended their winning streak to three games with a 94-44 drubbing of the SSS Kabalikat.

In the other game, the Bennett Palad-mentored NHA Home Masters stayed in second place in Group B – thanks to an 85-72 win over the PNP Responders.

Five players, including Sen. Joel Villanueva, scored in double figures for the Mike Fermin-coached Defenders with Clark Torrente leading the way with 21 points, 9 rebounds and three steals.

A member of the UST Tigers that reigned supreme during Seasons 56 and 57, Villanueva chipped in 11 points while Rey Malaga contributed 18 poins, 6 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals.

Tony Lustestica struck hardest for NHAwith 23 points, 4 assists, 2 steals and a block as the Home Masters improved to 3-1.