Duremdes leads Senate to victory in UNTV Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Former PBA star Kenneth Duremdes flashed vintage form and fired 18 points to lead Senate to an 81-71 romp over National Housing Authority even as Bureau of Fire Protection dealt reigning champion Judiciary its second straight defeat in the fourth UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig last week.

A former MVP winner in the pro league, Duremdes knocked in eight of his total output in the second quarter that saw the Defenders outscore the Builders, 25-11, to seize a 52-36 lead at the half.

The Builders, who shocked the Judiciary Magis in the opener, 76-56, never recovered and took their first defeat in Group A of the tournament put up by UNTV CEO and president Daniel Razon for the country’s public servants.

Marlon Legaspi took over from Duremdes in the final half to finish with a team-high 28 points on an impressive 11-of-14 shooting, capping his superb offensive game with 14 rebounds.

The Firefighters, on the other hand, leaned on the 24-point effort of Marlon Adolfo to down the Magis, 91-80, for a 1-1 record in Group B.

In the other game, House of Representatives spoiled the debut of Ombudsman, 78-74, behind the 32-point performance of former pro Kiko Adriano.

BFP, which lost to Armed Forces of the Philippines last week, 74-70, trailed the Don Camaso-led Judiciary, 20-12, at the end of the first quarter but Adolfo led the team’s 28 points burst in the second quarter to grab the lead for good, 50-39.

The tournament offers P2 million to the champion with the prize going to the team’s chosen charity.