SAN JUAN CITY—Defending champion AFP Cavaliers wasted no time asserting their dominance, dismantling the Ombudsman Graftbusters, 83-63, in the opening game of the UNTV Cup Executive Face Off 2026 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on September 6. 

The Cavaliers immediately made a powerful statement, kicking off their title defense with a decisive 20-point blowout that put the rest of the league on high alert.

Reigning 2025 Season and Finals MVP Paul Carbajal spearheaded the relentless charge for the military squad. 

Continuing his dominant form from last season, Carbajal controlled the pace, delivered clutch plays, and earned Best Player of the Game honors to jumpstart the Cavaliers' campaign on a high note.

The MVP emphasized that disciplined execution and physical conditioning proved to be the winning formula in their season opener. 

"Mag-stick lang kami sa plan kung ano yung sinasabi ng coaches namin and of course kailangan magpa-kondisyon kasi pag executive kasi mas mahirap yung conditioning, oras na ia-allot para sa mga practice… so, kailangan talaga ibuhos namin lahat," Carbajal shared post-game.

With a strong 1-0 start in the bag, the AFP Cavaliers set the tone early for the rest of the tournament. As the executive tournament ramps up, the champions remain laser-focused on maintaining their conditioning and tactical sharpness to keep their throne secure.

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