In a controversial finish, Lyceum of the Philippines University edged out College of St. Benilde, 82-81, to claim the last Final Four spot in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Friday.
The Pirates leaned on Ato Barba’s scorching shooting, but the game’s final moments were marred by a no-call and a missed opportunity for the Blazers.
Barba was perfect from the field, making all nine of his attempts, including five thunderous three-pointers, and finishing with 27 points.
His only misses came at the free-throw line, where he went 4-of-6.
“Nag extra kami kagabi, halos 10 p.m. na kami natapos,” Barba said.
The game’s controversy unfolded in the final seconds with the Pirates clinging to a one-point lead. Gab Cometa drove for a leaner and was bumped in mid-air by Vince Cunanan, but no foul was called by the officiating crew led by Joe Garcia.
With 0.7 seconds left, Charles Tiu designed a high lob pass play off the inbound to Allen Liwag, but could not convert.
“What stupid **** is this,” Tiu tweeted after the game.
The Pirates also survived a monster performance from Liwag, who posted a double-double with 20 points and 16 rebounds, to secure their 10th win in 18 games and earn the last ticket to the semifinals.
LPU will now face either the Blazers (14-4) or the Mapúa Cardinals (14-3) in the next round.
If Mapúa beats Arellano U on Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome, they will claim the top seed and face LPU with the added advantage of the Final Four incentive.
The other Final Four matchup will see CSB take on No. 3 San Beda.
“Pinapractice naman niya (Barba) yun,” said Pirates coach Gilbert Malabanan. “Game plan is, if ma-limit si Liwag, malaki chance namin manalo.”
JM Bravo also stepped up when needed, contributing 12 points, while Renz Villegas, Mclaude Guadana, and Jonathan Daileg each added 11 points.
CSB had multiple chances in the final seconds to either tie the game and force overtime or steal a win.
Liwag, who had been a hero for much of the game, missed the bonus free throw that would have tied the game and a short jumper that could have given CSB the victory.
Meanwhile, Emilio Aguinaldo College consoled itself with a 73-66 win over Jose Rizal University Friday to finish with a 9-9 record and fifth.
King Gurtiza and Harvey Pagsanjan paced the Generals with 18 and 17 points, respectively, in their final NCAA game.
Also graduating were Axel Doromal, JC Luciano and Erland Umpad.
EAC was already eliminated even before the game had started after Lyceum of the Philippines U stunned College of St. Benilde, 82-81, in the game earlier.
“The boys were already crying before the game,” said EAC mentor Jerson Cabiltes.
The Bombers ended with a 4-14 mark.
The Scores:
First Game:
Lyceum 82 – Barba 27, Bravo 12, Villegas 11, Guadaña 11, Daileg 11, Versoza 4, Aviles 4, Montaño 2, Cunanan 0, Panelo 0
Saint Benilde 81 – Liwag 20, Ancheta 18, Sanchez 11, Cometa 9, Ynot 7, Sangco 6, Morales 4, Torres 3, Jarque 2, Eusebio 1, Oli 0, Ondoa 0, Cajucom 0.
Quarterscores: 26-17, 46-42, 65-62, 82-81
Second Game
Emilio Aguinaldo 73 – Gurtiza 18, Pagsanjan 17, Bagay 11, Doromal 6, Luciano 6, Lucero 4, Oftana 3, Umpad 3, Jacob 2, Loristo 2, Quinal 1, Ochavo 0, Postanes 0, Angeles 0
Jose Rizal 66 – Barrera 18, Argente 15, Guiab 12, Sarmiento 5, Raymundo 4, De Jesus 4, Lozano 3, Pangilinan 2, De Leon 2, Mosqueda 1, Panapanaan 0, Ramos 0, Ferrer 0, Samontanes 0, Benitez 0
Quarterscores: 19-19, 25-30, 54-50, 73-66
