Lance Aurigue came up huge in the second half as Lyceum of the Philippines University rallied to escape Mapúa University, 88-87, and clinch their first win of the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
With the win, the Pirates moved to third place in Group A with a 1-1 record.
After a back-and-forth opening half, the Cardinals ignited a 12-2 run in the latter stages of the third quarter to take their biggest lead of the game, 67-57.
Despite a late response from the Pirates, Mapúa still entered the final frame with a 70-64 advantage.
In what turned out to be a game of runs, LPU bounced back in the fourth quarter and forced another deadlock at 76-all, with Mclaude Guadaña heating up from beyond the arc.
Aurigue briefly handed the lead back to Lyceum before Lance Nitura tied the game once again at 81-all with 4:14 remaining.
Nitura then gave Mapúa a two-point cushion on a pair of free throws, but the Pirates retook the lead following an and-one from Aurigue, 84-83, with 1:47 left.
Both teams continued to trade baskets, with Jamal Diaz hitting a long two for the Cardinals while Aurigue continued to attack Mapúa down low to give LPU an 86-85 advantage.
After grabbing a clutch defensive rebound, Aurigue came up huge for the Pirates once again, calmly sinking both of his free throws to keep LPU ahead, 88-85, with 39 seconds remaining.
Keeping the Cardinals alive, Marc Cuenco drew a foul from beyond the arc but could only convert two of his three free throws, cutting the deficit to 88-87.
Another huge rebound from Aurigue on the other end ultimately sealed the win for LPU. Although he missed both of his free throws, Yam Concepcion missed the potential game-winning attempt as Mapúa suffered another nail-biting loss.
The Cardinals dropped to 0-2 in Group A, sliding to fifth place in the standings.
The Pirates will take on San Beda University on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will face the streaking College of Saint Benilde on Friday at 5:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
