By: George Torno
Lyceum of the Philippines University came ready for battle, ending San Sebastian College-Recoletos’ campaign with a commanding 70–63 victory to advance to the NCAA Season 101 Seniors’ Basketball Quarterfinals on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the win, the Pirates secured their fourth victory and will face a twice-to-beat San Beda Red Lions in the quarterfinals.
John Barba led Lyceum with 22 points, three assists, and three rebounds, while Jonathan Daileg added 14 points and seven rebounds, helping the Pirates overcome the Golden Stags, who had held an early lead.
“Jonathan Daileg, you know naman ever since talaga pag crucial talagang tumitira, gunner ko yan eh. Kailangan mo lang talagang bigyan ng trust yung mga players,” LPU head coach Gilbert Malabanan said.
“Although sabi ko sa kanila kahit ganito ako, nagagalit sa bench, kilala niyo naman just play your game.”
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team letting points go unanswered.
Renz Villegas capitalized on San Sebastian’s turnovers to fuel Lyceum’s offense, while Joshua Moralejo extended the lead with a clutch three-pointer, giving the Pirates a 66–60 advantage with one minute remaining.
Trailing 38–40, Lyceum opened the third quarter with a three-pointer from Gyle Montaño, followed by a steal from Villegas that set up Moralejo’s layup to seize the lead.
With the score tied at 47–47, Daileg sank a three-pointer to push Lyceum ahead.
The second quarter saw a flurry of activity from beyond the arc, with Michael Versoza helping tie the game at 30–30 by attacking the paint and scoring six points with three minutes left.
The Golden Stags responded with a 6–0 run to keep the Pirates at bay.
San Sebastian took early control in the first quarter, with Jhuniel Dela Rama leading the charge and scoring seven points to seize the initial lead.
Lyceum now gears up to face San Beda University on Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena, with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Dela Rama powered San Sebastian’s late push with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Jose Lumanag added 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Jerover Cabilla chipped in 11 points and two rebounds in the losing effort.
The Scores:
Lyceum 70 – Barba 22, Daileg 14, Versoza 14, Villegas, 10, Montano 3, Penafel 3, Moralejo 2, Aviles 2, Palingayan 0, Matienzo 0, Casino 0, Fuentes 0, Abregana 0
San Sebastian 63 – Dela Rama 17, Lumanag 15, Cabilla 11, Gabat 6, Ricio 5, Castor 4, Felebrico 3, Dimaunahan 2, Cuajao 0, Nepacena 0.
Quarterscores: 20-21, 38- 42, 50-47, 70-63
