SAN JUAN—The Ombudsman Graftbusters ignited their UNTV Cup campaign with a gritty 65-58 victory over the Senate Defenders last Sunday, March 29, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. 

Displaying superior composure in the paint, the Graftbusters fended off a late-game surge from the Defenders to secure their first win of the season. 

The match set a high bar for the tournament, as both public servant squads traded blows in a physical contest that kept the San Juan crowd on the edge of their seats.

Bernzon Franco powered the Ombudsman’s charge, earning Best Player of the Game honors with a dominant double-double performance. 

Franco proved unstoppable near the basket, racking up 18 points and crashing the boards for 11 rebounds, while adding 2 assists to anchor the Graftbusters' offense. 

His efficiency inside allowed Ombudsman to control the tempo, effectively neutralizing Senate’s defensive rotations and sealing the result in the final minutes.