Malacañang, AFP triumph

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission defeated their rivals last Sunday and stayed unbeaten in their respective group elims in the 8th UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The AFP Cavaliers rode on the hot shooting of former Letran star Boyet Bautista to beat the Department of Agriculture Food Masters, 91-84, in Group A elims while the Malacañang-PSC Kamao carved out a 75-64 win over the Philippine National Police Responders in Group B action of the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.

The PITC Global Traders evened up their Group A record at 2-2 with a 130-67 drubbing of the SSS Kabalikat – thanks to Ryan Regalado who led six PITC players in double figures.

Still deadly and wily despite the excess pounds, Bautista got the better of his exciting shootout with ex-University of Santo Tomas star Emerson Oreta in leading the three-time champion Cavaliers to their fourth straight win in as many outings.

The 5-foot-7 Bautista erupted for 28 points – the bulk of those came in the final half where they made a decisive run.