MANILA—The AFP Cavaliers drew first blood in the UNTV Cup Season 12 Finals series, edging out the Ombudsman Graftbusters, 107-101, in an overtime classic on September 13 at the Paco Arena. 

The wire-to-wire showdown opened the best-of-three championship series, with the veteran-laden Cavaliers standing firm under extreme pressure to secure the pivotal victory.

Gil Pagotaisidro took charge for the Cavaliers, earning Best Player of the Game honors after delivering an all-around performance. 

Pagotaisidro poured in 23 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and registered 2 steals, providing the crucial scoring punch and defensive stability needed to pull AFP through the intense extra period.

AFP leaned heavily on its rich championship lineage when the contest hung in the balance. Demonstrating poised veteran skills and sharp decisiveness down the stretch, the Cavaliers executed key plays in overtime to neutralize Ombudsman's relentless offense and seal the hard-earned win.

With the Game 1 victory in hand, the Cavaliers stand just one win away from claiming their fifth title in the prestigious sports and charity league. 

The franchise’s winning culture and playoff composure proved to be the deciding factors in putting them on the brink of another historic championship trophy.

Despite the setback, the Ombudsman Graftbusters remain determined to bounce back and force a decisive Game 3. 

Searching for their first UNTV Cup championship title, the Graftbusters must regroup, man up, and make the necessary adjustments to equalize the series in their upcoming matchup.