Darwin Cordero ignited a furious second-quarter breakaway, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Cavaliers demolished the Judiciary Magis, 79-63, to clinch the 9th UNTV Cup with a two-game sweep on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Leading by just four points at the end of the first quarter, the Cavaliers – led by Cordero, Boyet Bautista, and Jerry Lumongsod – outscored the Magis 27-15 in the next frame. That widened the gap and demonstrating their dominance in the tournament exclusively for the country’s public servants.
This title win marks the Cavaliers’ fourth championship in five finals appearances, an achievement that rewards their chosen charity with a tax-free prize of P3 million through the initiative of Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International CEO and President, Daniel “Kuya Daniel” Razon.
Razon, accompanied by Commissioner Atoy Co, BMPI-UNTV Vice President Gerry Panghulan, and BMPI-UNTV General Manager Jay Eusebio, presented the championship trophy to the Cavaliers.
The institution chosen by the Magis received P2 million, while the third-place team NHA and fourth-place team PNP received P1 million and P500,000, respectively. The remaining selected charities were each awarded a prize of P200,000.
Cordero also led the team in scoring during their 81-74 win in Game 1. He finished with 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists to secure the Finals MVP award, while Judiciary’s Chester Tolomia was named the season MVP.
Cordero and Tolomia were also selected for the Mythical Selection team, along with Lumongsod, OP-PMS’ Kenneth Aljard, and DENR’s Ed Rivera.
Tolomia also received the Scoring Champion award, while other individual achievers included OP-PMS’ Paul Carbajal (Defensive Player) and Judiciary’s Richard Litonjua (Step-up Player).
