MMDA thwarts Senate, gains UNTV Cup semis

MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) routed Senate, 92-65, to clinch an outright semifinal berth even as National Housing Authority (NHA) kept its quarterfinal hopes alive with a surprise 96-76 rout of Armed Forces of the Philippines in the fourth UNTV Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City over the weekend.

The MMDA Blackwolves bucked the absence of Globalport assistant coach Johnedel Cardel to dominate the Senate Defenders from start to finish and close out their elims stint with a 7-2 card.

With Jeff Sanders and Peter John Villanueva on the firing end, the Blackwolves raced to an early 28-14 advantage then sustained their form to blast the Defenders and advance outright to the Final Four of the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.

The NHA Builders were equally sharp and deadly as they grounded the AFP Cavaliers with a masterful 20-point rout to revive their quarterfinal drive.

Tony Lustestica exploded for 29 points, including eight in a fiery second quarter assault that saw the Builders outscore the Cavaliers, 35-19, for a 55-37 halftime lead.

The Builders were never threatened from there and went on to notch their fourth win against as many losses while denying AFP’s bid for a similar outright semis berth. The Cavaliers slipped to 6-2.

In the other game, Philippine National Police snapped a two-game losing run with a 68-66 victory over Judiciary.

Ollan Omiping sizzled for 27 points, including five triples and a split that shattered the 66-all count.