FROM zero to hero.

The Senate Defenders completed an amazing journey from last place to champion Monday when they swept the Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission Kamao, 84-64, in the 6th UNTV Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

As expected, the troika of Gary Sevilla, Jeff Sanders and Marlon Legaspi shattered Malacañang’s defense time and again with their inside plays on the way to winning their first-ever title in grand fashion.

Members of the Senate Defenders, led by Senators Sonny Angara and Joel Villanueva, are shown with UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon after ruling the 6th UNTV Cup Season 6. With them are Senators Franklin Drilon and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

After a slow start, the Defenders buckle down to serious work, regaining the initiative behind the torrid shooting of Sanders and Legaspi, who finished with 20 and 17 points, respectively, in the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon.

“Though kalat ang opensa, ‘yung tatlo talaga ang pumukpok para makalayo kami,” said coach Mike Fermin. “From zero to champion kami, kaya special ito sa amin.”

Senators Sonny Angara and Joel Villanueva credited the team’s success to discipline and teamwork.

“We played as a team and I think that was the key,” said Angara, “Nakuha sa pagpupursige at sa pagtitiyaga.”

Fermin again credited the team’s defense, especially in the payoff period that saw them limit the Kamao to just 14 points while erupting for 25 points.

The Defenders won a cash prize of P4 million, which will be distributed to their three chosen charities – Kythe Foundation Inc, Tanghalang Mapagpala Immaculada Concepcion Inc, and Bahay Pangarap Inc.

They won P500,000 for themselves, while the Kamao settled for P300,000. Malacañang’s own charity will receive P2 million.

The Scores:
SENATE 84—Sanders 20, Legaspi 17, Sevilla 15, Mangaran 11, Ng 7, Angara 7, Balboa 5, Villanueva 2.
MALACAÑANG-PSC 64—Besa 11, Go 10, Dela Cuesta 9, Luanzon 8, Jimenez 8, Javier 6, Ignario 6, Gadong 4, Garrido 2.
Quarters: 17-21, 39-34, 59-50, 84-64.