SAN JUAN CITY—The Judiciary Magis made a powerful statement to start their campaign, edging out the Senate Sentinels, 67-65, in the opening game of the UNTV Cup Executive Face Off 2026 on September 6 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. 

Both teams delivered a relentless back-and-forth thriller, setting an intense tone for the league's brand-new season.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Midas Marquez anchored the victory for the Magis with a standout performance, bagging the Best Player of the Game award. 

Marquez provided critical plays on both ends of the floor, posting a team-leading 11 points and grabbing 3 key rebounds to hold off the hard-charging Sentinels down the stretch.

"Last season, we fell short when we played in the Finals," Marquez reflected after the pulse-pounding win. "So, hopefully this season we'll make it again to the Finals and finally claim the chip." Marquez said in a post-game interview.

With a 1-0 record safely tucked away, the Magis carry high hopes and early momentum into the tournament. 

The hard-fought win fuels their championship redemption arc as they chase the top title in this year's executive showcase.

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