Led by the hailed best player of the game, Ollan Omiping and the PNP Responders defeated the Judiciary Magis in overtime during their face-off in UNTV Cup Quarterfinals. (WILSON DOMINGO / Photoville International)
PASIG CITY, Philippines — There will be a new UNTV Cup Season 4 champion team. This was revealed last Sunday afternoon at Ynares Sports Arena as PNP Responders clobbered Judiciary Magis, 85-82 in overtime and properly eliminating the defending and two time titlist Magis in Season 4.
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.
Two time MVP Ollan Omiping led the way for PNP as he registered season high 35 points on top of four out of six triples, 13 out of 23 field goals, five out of seven freethrows, six boards, two steals and a block as PNP just use a game to dispose Judiciary even as Responders hold a twice to beat advantage in their quarter finals series.
Team mate and main big man Harold Sta. Cruz chipped in 12 points and 16 rebounds and was the hero responsible for bringing the game into overtime as he delivered a crucial lay up in the last eight seconds to tie the game, 78 all.
Judiciary had a chance to force a deciding game two, but Frederick Salamat missed an open basket in the last 1.4 seconds that extended the game into overtime.
Before Sta. Cruz heroics, Don Camaso missed also an open layup that lead to PNP to tie the game that Magis controlled for 47 minutes.
The last minute and the next five minutes belonged to Estong Ballesteros-coached squad as coach Dennis Balason and company can’t withstand the fouling out of Camaso in the 4:32 mark of the overtime period.
Rookie Anto Tolentino hit a crucial triple in the 3:50 mark as PNP wrestle the lead, 81-79 but reigning MVP Ariel Capus and Kevin Enriquez free throws put Judiciary again on the lead, 82-81 which Sta. Cruz tied via his own free throw converted at 2:27 mark.
Reserved center Rodel Ongutan scored a free throw at 1:32 to put PNP ahead, 83-82 which Tolentino extended to three with two out of two free throws in the last 6.8 seconds of the game.
Capus missed a game tying triple as PNP celebrated the hard earned come from behind victory and will next face the second seed MMDA Blackwolves in the semifinals.
MMDA has the twice to beat advantage in their final four series that will start on February 12.
Capus and Camaso led Magis with combined 43 markers, as Judiciary for the first time in four seasons, didn’t reach the semifinals.
PNP on their part avenged from last season’s quarterfinals loss and optimistic to return to finals even as their opponent Blackwolves holds a twice to beat edge.
There will be a new champion that’s for sure. (MARK SUBA)
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