MANILA—The National Housing Authority (NHA) Home Masters delivered a massive statement in the UNTV Cup Season 12 elimination round, pulling off a commanding 89-79 victory against league leaders OP Bagong Pilipinas on June 7 at the Paco Arena. 

NHA heavily leaned on their veteran poise to dismantle their opponents, successfully frustrating the powerhouse offense of the Office of the President from the get-go. 

The critical victory throws a wrench into the top-tier tournament rankings and firmly solidifies the Home Masters as a dangerous, seasoned threat this season.

Marvin Mercado completely stole the spotlight, earning Best Player of the Game honors after spearheading NHA's offensive charge. 

Mercado put up stellar, well-rounded numbers, anchoring the interior with a dominant 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

His imposing presence inside the paint and consistent execution on both ends of the floor continuously disrupted OP's defensive schemes, ensuring the Home Masters maintained a comfortable cushion until the final buzzer.

The costly defeat dramatically reshapes the leaderboard for OP Bagong Pilipinas, heading into the matchup as the definitive number 1 squad, the devastating loss slips their record to 3 wins and 2 losses, tumbling them down to the 3rd spot in the team standings. 

Reflecting on their deep team chemistry after the game, Mercado highlighted how their shared history proved to be the ultimate equalizer:

"Naging malaking factor yung pagiging beterano namin tapos yung matagal na kami nagsasama, yung experience namin sa liga ng UNTV Cup, tumanda na kami dito halos tapos may nadagdag pero majority sa amin mga veteran dito sa UNTV Cup, so malaking bagay yun." Marvin Mercado said.

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