Jeffry Sanders, hailed the best player of the game, lead the team in subduing the PNP Responders. (Russell Julio / Photoville International)
Don’t look now but the MMDA Blackwolves is just behind AFP in the team standings and the Blackwolves has a chance to grab one of the two automatic semifinals berth for top two finishers at the end of the second round eliminations of UNTV Cup Season 4.
This materialized after the Jeffrey Sanders-led squad edged out powerhouse team PNP Responders, 67-64 at the Ynares Sports Arena.
UNTV Cup, the Public Service Channel’s basketball league where cash prizes are donated to charities is led by multi-awarded broadcaster and Mr. Public Service Daniel Razon.
Sanders came again to the rescue as he scored four crucial points in the last 39.4 seconds of the game to lift MMDA to third straight win and 3-0 mark in the second round eliminations.
The Shadow converted on a jumper with 39.4 seconds left as the Blackwolves grabbed the lead, 64-62. He then sinked two free throws to put MMDA comfortably ahead, 66-62 with 21.6 ticks remaining.
The former Barangay Ginebra and Batangas Blades player finished with 22 markers, five out of 13 from the field, 11 out of 13 from the stripes and grabbed five boards to lead MMDA improved its team standings to six wins and two losses for a solo second spot, just behind the 5-1 mark of the AFP Cavaliers.
Assuming that MMDA will win its last game in the second round eliminations against Senate, the Blackwolves are likely to get one of the two automatic semifinals berth for the top two finishers after the elimination round. Not only that, in the Final 4 the Blackwolves will also enjoy the twice to beat advantage against any team that they will face in the semifinals.
Sanders’ partner Cyril Santiago contributed 21 points, eight out of 15 from the field, five out of eight from the free throws, seven rebounds and two blocks as MMDA reaped the fruits of their daily team practice in the second round.
MMDA’s next game will be next year, January 2016 as the league takes a break for the holidays.
PNP was led by another Barangay Hoopster player, PO1 Antonio Tolentino Jr. who tallied 24 points.
Sanders, Santiago and Tolentino were once upon a time team mates in Barangay Hoopsters; a community basketball show featured by UNTV.
With the defeat, the Responders fell down to 4-3 slate in the team standings and will also need to wait next year to avenge its loss.
the CUP scores
MMDA 67- Sanders 22, Santiago 21, Villanueva 8, Guittap 5, Santos 4, Idria 3, Panican 2, Fortu 2
PNP 64- Tolentino 24, Omiping 16, Cabahug 9, Yanquiling 9, Sta.Cruz 2, Abaya 2, Misola 2
Quarter scores: 17-16, 31-30, 47-48, 67-64
(MARK SUBA)
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