Two-time champion Judiciary has secured the first finals berth in the 9th UNTV Cup with an easy 76-61 victory over the PNP Responders, while the NHA Home Masters kept their title hopes alive on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
With PBA veteran Warren Ybañez creating plays, the Judiciary Magis outscored the Responders 26-17 in the second quarter, taking control of the game. They maintained their lead to complete a two-game sweep of the semifinal series.
Ybañez scored only 8 points but had 12 assists, greatly benefiting Richard Litonjua and Chester Tolomia, who finished with 14 and 11 points, respectively.
They will face the winner between the NHA Home Masters and AFP Cavaliers after the former forced a sudden death in their semifinal series with a come-from-behind 75-73 win in Game 2.
Marvin Mercado led NHA’s escape act with a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Alvin Vitug added 19 points.
Meanwhile, the Senate Sentinels, starring Senators Bong Go, Joel Villanueva, and Sonny Angara, secured their third win with a dominant 90-76 victory over the AFP Cavaliers.
Go led the onslaught with 24 points, followed by Angara with 14 points and 4 assists, while Villanueva added 7 points, 1 steal, and 1 assist.
