Judiciary, PNP in do-or-die

Games tomorrow (Pasig City Sports Center)

3 p.m. – Ombudsman vs PITC

4:30 p.m. – Judiciary vs PNP

Judiciary and Philippine National Police dispute the fourth and last second-round berth tomorrow in a showdown between former champions in the 8th UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The Judiciary Magis, who ruled the tournament for public servants twice, and the PNP Responders, who reigned three years ago, tangle at 4:30 p.m. with both teams out to nail their second win in the six-team Group B elims to advance to the second round.

With injuries to key players early in the season, the once feared squads struggled as the Magis and Responders won only once in four games so far.

The winner will join unbeaten Department of Environment and Natural Resources (5-0), Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission (4-1) and National Housing Authority (3-2).

Equally important is the match between Ombusdman and PITC in Group A with the former out to improve their 1-3 record and forge a tie with the Global Traders (2-2) and the PhilHealth Plus (2-3).

If the Global Traders triumph, they will tow PhilHealth to the next round along with defending champion and undefeated Armed Forces of the Philippines (5-0) and Department of Agriculture (4-1).

One thing going for the Responders is that they are coming off an inspiring 94-63 win over the GSIS Furies – thanks to Richard Villanueva and former University of the East player Olan Omiping who combined for 31 points.