MANILA—The PNP Responders locked in the first coveted seat in the UNTV Cup Season 12 semifinal round after dismantling the Judiciary Magis, 70-51, on August 2, at the Paco Arena. 

The dominant victory extended the Responders' perfect run to four straight wins in the second round of the elimination phase, cementing their status as a top title contender this season.

PNP playing coach Harold Sta. Cruz led by example, earning Player of the Game honors after rallying his squad through an early rough patch. 

Sta. Cruz pulled double-double figures—12 point, 18 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal to put the PNP on top of their battle with the Judiciary.

The Magis put up a tough fight in the opening minutes, but Sta. Cruz successfully anchored the team's defensive and offensive adjustments to completely break the game open in the later quarters.

"Slow start kami, well I reminded them na hindi tayo pwedeng complacent kasi alam namin na pag nakuha namin ‘tong game na ‘to, magiging automatic number 2 talaga kami. So, medyo nagising naman yung mga teammate so nagtrabaho ulit kami," Sta. Cruz said after the game. 

His timely wake-up call effectively boosted the Responders' morale, transforming a sluggish start into a 19-point blowout victory that officially punched their ticket to the next round.