(LEFT-RIGHT) Judiciary Magis and Malacañang Patriots team captains: Justice Jose Midas Marquez and TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva (UNTV News)
MANILA, Philippines — It is going to be a head-to-head campaign for both the Judiciary Magis and the Malacañang Patriots in the second game of the best of 3 series of the UNTV Cup Season 3 Finals on Tuesday, April 28 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
On November 2013, Judiciary Magis was hailed champion in the first UNTV Cup season.
However the Magis failed to defend the title after losing in the semi-final rounds to season 2 champion AFP Cavaliers.
Thus, Magis ended up only as a runner up in season 2.
This season, the Judiciary Magis has become more aggressive in their campaign to win and get back the championship.
The Magis has only lost two games out of 9 to reach the finals.
Though Malacañang Patriots defeated the Magis in this season’s second round eliminations with 69-65.
The Magis returned with an 18-point win over the Patriots during the game 1 of the best-of-3 series in the final round last April 12 at Ynares Sports Arena at 89-71.
On Tuesday, the Judiciary is willed to finish the season 3.
Team Captain Justice Midas Marquez said,”Umaasa tayo na makukuha natin ang kampeonato, nawala sa atin ito noong 2nd cup so talagang pinagsisikapan namin na mabawi ito ngayong 3rd cup.”
(We are hoping to win the championship. We failed to defend the championship last season 2 so we are working hard to get it back this season 3)
During game 1, the Magis scored 10 three point shots compared to the Patriots’ three.
They have also recorded 11 steals, 12 assists and 37 rebounds, while the Patriots have recorded a total of 14 turnovers.
Magis needed one win to bag the championship and the team is on extensive training for this very important game.
Justice Marquez said, “We will just be playing our game. Be more aggressive in defense, grab the rebound, loose ball and we should be able to set our play very well.”
Malacañang Patriots, on the other hand, vows to avenge the game 2 to prove that their win over the Judiciary Magis in the 2nd round eliminations did not happen by chance.
Patriots’ Gunner TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva said, “Marami nang nagsasabi na tsamba lang daw panalo namin sa kanila (noong eliminations). So, it’s also a motivating factor sa amin na i-prove na hindi namin natsambahan.”
(Many were saying that we have won only by chance. It’s also a motivating factor to prove them wrong.)
Game 2 of the best of three series in the UNTV Cup Season 3 finals will start at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Prior to game 2, an exhibition game between the PBA Legends and UNTV Cup Season 3 selections will commence at 6:30 PM through which, part of the prizes will support Samboy Lim, the well-known PBA Sky Walker.
This is the 3rd season of UNTV Cup, organized by Mr. Public Service Kuya Daniel Razon.
The prize this season is raised to 2 million pesos which will be donated to the champion’s chosen beneficiary. (BERNARD DADIS / UNTV News)