MMDA trounces Ombudsman, boosts UNTV bid

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority held Ombudsman to seven points in the final quarter and cruised to a 79-57 victory to bolster its semifinal bid in the fourth UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasay City.

The MMDA Black Wolves rode on a big third quarter surge to break off a tight first half contest then sustained their pace in the fourth to complete the lopsided win.

Aside from breaking Ombudsman’s offensive rhythm, the Black Wolves also came away with 20 points in the payoff period to finish with a 3-2 mark in Group B elims of the tournament presented by UNTV through its president and CEO Daniel Razon.

The win also spoiled Benzon Franco’s sizzling 39-point effort for Ombudsman. The former UST player also fired a tournament-high 43 points in the team’s 107-94 loss to Armed Forces of the Philippines last Oct. 29.

In other games, reigning champion Judiciary won by forfeiture over House of Representatives to improve its record to 2-3 in Group B while Government Service Insurance System outlasted Department of Justice, 63-60, for a 2-3 record. 

The P2 million prize, according to Razon, will be donated to the chosen charity of the champion team.