MMDA Black Wolves (Center/Forward) Cyril Santiago (L) drives the ball against the defense of DOJ Avengers Erwin Buenaventura (R) during the UNTV Cup Season 2 Elimination Round at Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City, Philippines on March 16, 2014. MMDA Black Wolves wins over DOJ Avengers with the score 104-87. (Charlie Miñon | Photoville International)

Pasig City – The MMDA Black Wolves, AFP Cavaliers and PhilHealth – Your Partner In Health clinched their respective victories in UNTV Cup 2 fifth week elimination games last March 16 at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The MMDA Black Wolves finally aced their first win of the tournament at the expense of the DOJ Avengers, 104-87.

The Black Wolves used a strong 24-10 run anchored on guards Peter John Villanueva and Ermel Idria to break the game wide open in the fourth quarter.  

MMDA also used their speed and full court defensive pressure to offset DOJ’s height advantage and capitalized on several turnovers committed by the Avengers in the fourth. 

The Avengers just did not have enough firepower to mount a comeback with DOJ main man Paul Reguerra fouled out in the middle of the fourth quarter.

Villanueva led the MMDA charge with 21 points and 4 assists while Ermel Idria finished with 13 points. Former PCU standout Ian Garrido topscored for DOJ with 27 points and 13 rebounds.

With their first win, MMDA now has a 1-2 record. DOJ is at a risk of being eliminated early in the tournament with a 0-3 win-loss card. 

AFP’s Win vs. LGU Vanguards

The AFP Cavaliers has escaped a late fourth quarter charge by the LGU Vanguards with a victory to win in the second game, 101-98. 

It was a close game all throughout, with the teams tied 41-all by halftime and the AFP leading by just three points at the end of the third quarter.

AFP forward Wilfredo Casulla and LGU center Francis Zamora dives on the floor to get the loose ball as their co-players look on. AFP won the nail biter match, 101-98. (Russel Julio | Photoville International)

The Cavaliers unleashed several three-pointers by their guards Winston Sergio, Alvin Zuniga, and Roger Araneta in the fourth quarter to push the advantage to 12, 99-87 with two minutes remaining. 

Vanguards reinforcement players ErvicVijandre and Kiko Adriano then carried the LGU team to within 4 points, 99-95. 

The last series of plays proved to be nerve-wracking, as LGU center Francis Zamora buried a contested three-pointer from the left wing to close the gap to within 1 with a few seconds remaining.

Cavaliers point guard Joel Jabar converted on two free-throws off an intentional foul to push back the lead to three. With just two seconds remaining, LGU guard Jayson Souza threw a half court heave that just barely missed the mark.

Winston Sergio paced the Cavaliers with 25 points, while Alvin Zuniga provided all-around support with 21 points, 7 assists and 3 steals. 

LGU’s reinforcements ErvicVijandre and Kiko Adriano carried the bulk of the load for the Vanguards with 40 points and 31 points, respectively.

AFP has won three straight for a 3-1 record while LGU gets a 1-2 record.

PhilHealth’s Notches Third Win

The PhilHealth – Your Partner In Health cruised to their third straight victory with a dominating win over the Malacañang Patriots, 76-61. 

Reinforcement players Poch Juinio of PhilHealth and Jenkins Mesina of Malacañang battle under the rim. PhilHealth won over Malacañang, 76-61. (Russel Julio | Photoville International)

PhilHealth dictated the game with their height and speed advantage early on, with a 30-18 first quarter lead highlighted by a 9-2 run spearheaded by Ramil Tagupa.

The Patriots consistently tried to claw back into the game with their running game and hustle. 

PhilHealth’s glaring height and speed, however, proved to be too much for the Patriots to handle.

PhilHealth’s swingman Jesson Alfeche led their team’s attack with 22 points and 4 steals. 

Defensive stopper Alex Noriega came up with a stellar performance of his own, finishing with 21 points. Forwards Paul Yamamoto and Joseph Besa paced the Patriots with 11 points apiece.

With the win, Philhealth goes up to 3-0 and shares the top of the standings with defending champions Judiciary Magis. The Patriots, on the other hand, goes down to 1-2. 

(Written By: Jerlo Kevin Rialp)