MANILA—The AFP Cavaliers set a high tone in their UNTV Cup Season 12 playoff run, outgunning the PNP Responders, 71-64, in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinal series on August 26 at the Paco Arena. 

Displaying their trademark intensity and high-octane offense early on, the Cavaliers asserted control from the opening tip to draw first blood in the crucial series.

Michael Bañaria spearheaded the offense for AFP, locked and loaded from start to finish to take home Best Player of the Game honors. 

Bañaria delivered an all-around masterpiece, racking up 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals, constantly disrupting the Responders' backcourt and fueling crucial transition opportunities for his squad.

Anchored by relentless pressure on the floor, the Cavaliers transformed defensive stops into decisive momentum. 

Speaking after his stellar performance, Bañaria emphasized the defensive identity instilled by their technical bench: "Yun po yung palaging sinasabi ng coaching staff namin, hard work lang po, defense, darating din ang opensa at saka yun po yung lagi kong sinasabi, one game at a time po."

With the 1-0 series advantage firmly in hand, AFP moves within a single victory of securing a spot in the finals. 

Meanwhile, the PNP Responders face an urgent do-or-die situation this coming Sunday, needing an immediate bounce-back win to force a decisive tie-breaker and keep their championship hopes alive.