THE Ombudsman Graft Busters stunned the Malacañang-PSC Kamao in Sunday’s first game of the UNTV Cup Off-Season Executive Face-Off at the Pasig City Sports Center, 76-57.
The Graft Busters were led by Best Player of the Game, Director Nikki Laure, who made 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Ombudsman head Coach Ricky Alcantara said his side prepared thoroughly for these off-season games.
“Ang ginawa namin twice a week kami nagpa-practice. May mga pocket tournaments din na sinasalihan kami right now at nagkakaroon kami ng aqua training. ‘Yung conditioning talaga ‘yung pinaghandaan ko,” Alcantara said.
Special Assistant to the President Secretary Bong Go scored 25 points, grabbed two boards, made one assist and one steal for Malacanang-PSC Kamao.
“No excuses, talo po talaga kami. Medyo hindi pa masyado magkakilala mga players. Halo-halo ito, composed ng PACC, meron ding Navy. Pangalawa, importante ang ensayo, masarap makalaro ‘yung ibang executives, mga ibang halos ka-edad namin. Bawi na lang po kami next time,” said Go.
In the second game, the Judiciary Magis entered the win column after toppling the DOJ Justice Boosters, 73-58.
“Kulang talaga kami sa ensayo. We started practice a week before the opening, so nakapag-practice kami twice lang. Sa tingin ko, conditioning, ‘yun lang ang naging problema. From first to second OK kami. Pagdating na ng third to fourth, medyo kinakapos na, hindi na pumapasok tira namin,” DOJ Coach John Agbayani Jr. said.
Judiciary’s Joey Yabut, who made 24 points, 9 rebounds, and one assist, was hailed as the Best Player of the Game.
Magis Coach Warren Ybañez said they prepared well for the game, particularly in the defensive department.
“Pinaghandaan naming ‘yung depensa, sinabi ko sa kanila na kapag may open shot kayo tumira lang kayo, kasi marami tayo rebounder,” Magis Coach Warren Ybañez said.