PhilHealth thumps M’cañang in UNTV Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Jesson Alfeche and Alex Noriega combined for 43 points as PhilHealth blasted Malacañang, 76-61, to stretch its win run to three in the second UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last Sunday.

Paul Yamamoto and Joseph Besa added 11 points apiece to underscore PhilHealth’s balanced offensive sock that saw them post an early 30-18 bulge en route to victory that kept on top of Group B.

Malacañang fell to 1-2.

In other results, Armed Forces of the Philippines survived a late rally by Local Government Unit as it eked out a 101-98 victory even as Metro Manila Development Authority demolished Department of Justice, 104-87.

Joel Jabar sank two pressure-packed charities in the final two seconds as AFP improved to 3-1 for second in Group A.

Winston Sergio finished with 25 points while Alvin Zuniga finished with 21 points, seven assists and three steals for AFP, which nearly blew a 12-point lead, 99-87, in the final two minutes of the contest.

MMDA banked on guards Peter John Villanueva, who fired 21 points, and Ermel Idria, who added 13 markers, as it broke the game wide open in the fourth period to fashion out its first win in three starts.

Former PCU standout Ian Garrido finished with 27 points and 13 boards but DOJ failed to gain headway after main man Paul Reguerra fouled out. DOJ dropped to 0-3.