MANILA—The PNP Responders officially barged into the win column of UNTV Cup Season 12 after escaping the COMELEC Vanguards, 81-78, on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila. 

The victory marked first in the books for the Responders, who had to dig deep to overcome a relentless start from the Vanguards. 

Despite the pressure, the PNP’s veteran composure proved to be the deciding factor in the closing minutes of this high-stakes season.

The game began with a flurry of defensive intensity as the COMELEC Vanguards utilized an aggressive full-court press to rattle the Responders' backcourt. 

This defensive gamble paid off early, forcing several turnovers that allowed the Vanguards to dictate the tempo throughout the first quarter. 

However, the PNP was quick to adjust, shifting to a more deliberate half-court set and utilizing their size advantage to break the press and stabilize their offense by the second period.

Leading the charge for the PNP was Richard Villanueva, who earned Best Player of the Game honors after a stellar performance. 

Villanueva dismantled the Vanguards' defense by dropping 19 points, consistently hitting timely buckets whenever COMELEC threatened to reclaim the lead. 

His scoring outburst, combined with the Responders' tactical adjustments, allowed the PNP to hold off a late-game surge and secure their first win of the season.

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