MMDA stuns Judiciary in UNTV Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority shocked defending champion Judiciary, 76-56, to highlight the opener of the fourth UNTV Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last Monday.

With Johnedel Cardel and former Far Eastern University player Cyril Santiago on the firing end, the MMDA Blackwolves turned what had been a tight contest into a rout behind a big second half assault that stymied the reigning titlists’ charge.

With a slim 27-25 lead, the Blackwolves drew five points from former La Salle star, who sparked MMDA’s breakaway run for a 46-36 lead going into the final quarter.

The Magis, playing without key players from last year’s championship run, never recovered from there as the Blackwolves scored almost at will to pull away for good.

The bull-strong Santiago finished with 19 points while Cardel, who once played for Alaska and Shell in the PBA, added 15 markers spiked by three triples.

The victory thus installed Blackwolves one of the top favorites to win the annual tournament for public servants.

UNTV bigwigs, including their CEO and president Daniel Razon and vice president for administration Gerry Panghulan, welcomed the participants and several government officials during the opening day watched by a huge crowd.

The P2 million top prize in the event presented by UNTV will be donated to the champion team’s chosen charity.