MANILA—Redemption is within reach! The Ombudsman Graftbusters completed a dominant sweep of their best-of-three semifinal clash, punching their ticket back to the UNTV Cup Season 12 Finals after tearing down OP Bagong Pilipinas, 81-75, on September 2 at the Paco Arena. 

Hungry to erase the lingering heartbreak of last season’s devastating championship loss to the Agriculture Food Masters, the Graftbusters played with unrelenting grit to reclaim their spot on the league's biggest stage.

Team captain and star point guard Paul Ladia spearheaded the Graftbusters’ fiery charge, earning Best Player of the Game honors with a monster stat line of 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. 

Setting the tempo early and executing crucial defensive stops late in the fourth quarter, Ladia ensured his squad never let their grip slip during the high-stakes showdown.

“Ginawa ko lang yung part ko as a point guard and leader nitong team na’to kasi gusto ko sa’kin mag-umpisa yung drive namin sa laro, yung fire, gusto ko sa’kin magmula kasi ako yung captain ball eh. Ayun, nagtulung-tulong naman kami nakuha namin yung panalo,” a passionate Ladia shared after the hard-fought victory. 

His steady leadership on the hardwood served as the sparks that ignited Ombudsman’s unstoppable rhythm.

With the sweep locked in, the Graftbusters now brace for a titan collision against the powerhouse AFP Cavaliers in what promises to be an explosive UNTV Cup Season 12 Finals. 

More than just fighting for prestige and their agency’s elusive first-ever league title, Ombudsman enters the ultimate battle with a higher purpose: capturing the grand championship to extend vital support to their chosen charity. 

WIN in SPORTS, WIN for CHARITY!