Defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of Environment and Natural Resources try to extend their winning streaks when they go up against separate rivals at the start of the crossover second round in the 8th UNTV Cup today at the San Juan City gym.
The AFP Cavaliers, who topped Group A elims with a 5-0 mark, collide with the National Housing Authority Builders at 5 p.m. while the DENR Warriors, who likewise completed a 5-0 sweep of Group B, take on the Department of Agriculture Food Masters at 3:30 p.m.
Clashing in the first game at 2 p.m. are Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission and PhilHealth with the latter needing a win to improve its 2-3 mark in the event organized for public servants by UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.
The chosen charity of the champion teams gets a tax free P4 million prize while the foundation selected by the runner-up shall receive P2 million.
Expected to lead the Cavaliers who are bidding to become the first back-to-back champions are former Letran star Boyet Bautista, Eugene Tan, Alvin Zuniga and Jerry Lumungsod while the Builders of coach Benneth Palad will be led by Alvin Vitug, John Derrick Dizon and Waldemar Tibay.
The Warriors, on the other hand, will once again draw strength from Paul Erwen Parreño, Ralph Lansang and Ed Rivera.
Group A teams face Group B teams in a single round with the top two teams advancing outright to the semis while the bottom two will be eliminated.
The third to sixth finishers, meanwhile play another round with the best two placers marching into the semis.