Lyceum of the Philippines University started the first round of the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament looking like the best team in the league.
The Pirates battled through tight games against championship contenders and pulled off numerous comebacks, beginning the season with a 6-0 record.
However, complacency and comfort eventually plagued them.
After leading the standings, the Pirates suddenly found themselves in a three-game losing streak. And the lowest point was a heartbreaking 88-87 double-overtime loss to Jose Rizal University.
Suddenly, the Pirates were in danger of slipping out of the final four.
“Parang may naputanayan na kami, pero wala pa kaming napapatunayan eh.
“Nakakalimutan lang kung saan kami nagsimula. Umaakyat pa lang kami tapos sobrang dami nang arte. Deserve namin ‘to, kasi parang masyado nang nagkakomplacent, nagkakumpiyansa na,” said team captain Enoch Valdez after the tough loss.
Fortunately for Lyceans, the Intramuros-based squad looked like their once-dominant selves at the beginning of the second round. They earned revenge against the Heavy Bombers in another overtime battle that saw Lyceum escape with a 99-96 victory.
Head coach Gilbert Malabanan saw the hunger to reach the Final Four return to his squad from their very first training session after the conclusion of the first round.
“Simula pa lang sa practice, talagang may gusto na silang patunayan ang team na ito,” said Malabanan.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, let’s do the work, not the talking, at nakita naman natin sa laro na ito, kahit na nag-ungos yung kalaban namin, mas lalong lumabas yung kanilang eagerness.
“Pero sana sa susunod na laro namin, hindi naman kami habol ng habol, medyo mahirap pa din. Pero maganda na nanalo kami sa laro,” he continued.
Valdez himself praised his squad’s efforts to regain focus during the week’s break between the first and second rounds. In particular, he highlighted Vince Cunanan and his efforts to improve as the Pirates’ lead guard.
“Siyempre, nagtrabaho kami noong aming pahinga, at nakita ninyo naman yung improvement namin, lalo na si (Vince) Cunanan.
“Nag-improve na talaga siya bilang point guard, at sobrang laki ng kanyang ginawa. At yung mga kakampi ko, sobrang bumalik kami sa dati na gutom na gutom sa panalo,” explained Valdez, who is set to join NLEX after the season.
Cunanan played a significant role in their revenge game against the Heavy Bombers, nearly achieving a double-double with 20 points and nine assists.
He also had four rebounds, two steals, and a block.
The Pirates aim to maintain their momentum in the second round as they prepare to face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday at 9:30 AM.
