Newcomer Department of Environment and Natural Resources tries to secure the other outright semis berth when it goes for its seventh straight win against Philippine International Trading Corporation in the 8th UNTV Cup on Sunday at the San Juan City gym.
Game time is at 5 p.m., with the DENR Warriors out to protect their unblemished record in the annual tournament for public servants with the chosen charity of the champion team getting top prize of P4 million.
A victory would enable the still undefeated DENR to join defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Final Four of the event organized by UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.
The AFP Cavaliers grabbed the first automatic semis berth after drubbing the Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission Kamao, 77-65, a win that gave them a second-best 7-1 record.
With the Kamao slipping into a share of third to fourth places with the National Housing Authority Builders at 5-3, the Warriors have three chances to make it to the semis but they want to achieve their initial goal right away.
Clashing in other games are Judiciary and the slumping Department of Agriculture at 3:30 p.m. while the Builders collide with the also-ran PhilHealth Plus at 2 p.m.
The Magis are hoping to extend their win run to three games and improve their 4-3 record. They are currently locked in a three-way tie for fifth to seventh places with the Food Masters and Global Traders.
The bottom two teams after the second round will be eliminated while the third to sixth placers play another round in the quarters with the top two teams advancing to the semis.