AFP, DENR favored over semis rivals

MANILA, Philippines — Fully-rested Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) eye a strong start versus separate foes in the opener of the eighth UNTV Cup best-of-three semifinals tomorrow at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The top-seeded AFP Cavaliers collide with the Judiciary Magis at 5 p.m. while the second-ranked DENR Warriors take on the National Housing Authority Builders at 3:30 p.m. in the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon annually for public servants.

AFP and DENR are coming off a long respite after advancing outright to the semis for their 1-2 finish in the two-stage elims. Nonetheless, the Cavaliers and Warriors expressed readiness for what they expect to be a tight series.

Though the Cavaliers have the slight edge in the frontline, the Magis have a solid backcourt crew in former PBA players Warren Ybanez and Chester Tolomia and veteran Frederick Salamat.

Judiciary is coming off an impressive 65-55 win over Philippine International Trading Center in their do-or-die duel for the last semis ticket over the weekend.

Bannered by former Letran star Boyet Bautista, the Cavaliers hope to become the first back-to-back champions of the league although they hold the distinction as the winningest team with three titles.

The chosen charity of the champion team will receive a tax-free P4 million donation while the runner-up’s own charity will get P2 million.