Malacañang holds off PNP for UNTV lead

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang rode on a big second half charge to stun Philippine National Police, 66-64, and wrest the solo lead in the third UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City over the weekend.

The Patriots fell behind, 29-36, at the turn but Andro Reques and Paul Yamamoto stepped up in the last two quarters to help the team pull the rug from under the Responders, who came into the game as heavy favorites.

Reques buried two triples to finish with 13 points while Yamamoto chipped in 12 markers as the Patriots moved within a win from sweeping the five-team Group A elims.

The Patriots also drew nine points each from Mervin Verches and John Jimenez, who also combined for nine rebounds.

In Group B elims, Senate used its height and heft advantage to notch its second straight win – an 88-65 drubbing of GSIS.

Marlon Legaspi set the tone for Senate’s win by scoring nine of his 26 points in the first quarter. Emmanuel Baltazar and Sam Marata backed him up with 17 and 16 points, respectively.