Lyceum of the Philippines University took its second straight win in Group B, taking down Jose Rizal University, 80-73, in the FilOil EcoOil 15th Preseason Cup, Sunday in San Juan City.
John Bravo paced the Pirates with 17 points on 87.5-percent shooting from the paint to go along with eight rebounds and three assists, while McLaude Guadaña poured in most of his 12 points in the final frame to lift their side to a share of the lead in Group B.
Clinging to a 61-59 lead early in the final frame, the quartet of Barba, Guadana, Shawn Umali, and Simon Penafel unleashed a 13-4 spurt to take control of the game.
Though JRU’s Agem Miranda drove a layup to cut the deficit to six, 71-77, with 56 seconds left, Guadaña answered back with a step-back dagger triple to seal the win for Lyceum.
“Sabi nga ni Mac (Guadana), let’s just enjoy the game lang. ‘Yun lang naman kasi mantra namin ngayon eh,” said head coach Gilbert Malabanan.
Guadaña also produced seven assists and one steal in his 21 minutes of action.
John Barba added 11 points along with three rebounds, and Shawn Umali chipped in nine points and eight rebounds. Omar Larupay added eight rebounds and six points.
LPU (2-0) will try to make it three in a row against University of Sto. Tomas on July 29 at 9 a.m.
Two Heavy Bombers finished on double digits in points with Miranda and William Sy ending with 15 and 10 points, respectively. Miranda and Sy also added six rebounds and three assists apiece.
John Amores missed his second straight game for JRU.
JRU (0-3) will next face De La Salle University on August 7 at 3 p.m.
The Scores:
LPU 80 — Bravo 17, Guadana 13, Barba 11, Penafiel 9, Umali 6, Larupay 4, Culanay 3, Aviles 3, Omandac 3, Caduyac 3, Navarro 2, Cunanan 2, Montano 2, Venoya 2, Villegas 0.
JRU 73 — Miranda 15, Sy 10, Guiab 9, Medina 8, Gonzales 7, Arenal 6, Celis 6, Dela Rosa 5, Villarin 3, Delos Santos 2, De Leon 2, Bongay 0, Abaoag 0.
Quarterscores: 21-20, 36-32, 59-55, 80-73.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
