PhilHealth thwarts HOR, sweeps UNTV Cup elims

MANILA, Philippines - PhilHealth made key baskets down the stretch to hack out an 81-75 victory over House of Representatives and complete a four-game sweep in Group B in the UNTV Cup Season 2 at the Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City last Sunday.

Jesson Alfeche, Alex Noriega and Ramil Tagupa took charge in the clutch as PhilHealth held on to post the victory after blowing a 16-point lead early in the contest.

Alfeche finished with 20 points, including a lay-in against Cebu Rep. Gerald Gullas that gave the team an eight-point spread with less than a minute left.

It was the third straight loss for HOR, which now needs a win against Malacañang to remain in the hunt for a berth in the next round.

Francis Adriano fired 24 points to go with five steals and five rebounds, as Local Government Units routed Dept. of Justice, 102-69.

Ian Garrido delivered 36 points and 17 boards but the Avengers sorely missed the services of Paul Reguerra and bowed out of contention with a 0-4 card in Group A.

Season I runner-up Philippine National Police secured the No. 2 spot behind PhilHealth with a 93-53 demolition against Senate.

It was the third win in four outings for the Responders while the Defenders, who missed the services of former PBA star Kenneth Duremdes, fell to 1-3.