Lyceum of the Philippines University broke a three-way tie for the fourth spot in the standings of the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament, securing a hard-fought victory over Jose Rizal University, 82-80, on Friday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Pirates also captured their first win of Season 100 against the Heavy Bombers earlier in the season, with a 97-92 triumph courtesy of John Barba’s late-game heroics.
Though Lyceum held the lead for most of the game, JRU stayed in the fight, keeping the score close until the final seconds.
With a four-point lead, 81-77, and 43 seconds left, the Pirates struggled to break through the Heavy Bombers’ intense press defense.
The increased defensive pressure led to back-to-back turnovers, allowing Karl De Jesus to score on a layup and sending Joshua Guiab to the line.
Guiab split his free throws with a chance to tie, leaving the Pirates with a narrow one-point lead, 81-80, with 21 seconds remaining.
On the next possession, Lyceum evaded multiple JRU steal attempts before the ball eventually found its way to Mclaude Guadana, who went to the free-throw line with three seconds left. Guadana sank the first free throw but missed the second.
With no timeouts left, JRU’s last-second half-court heave fell short, sealing the win for Lyceum.
For head coach Gilbert Malabanan, JRU’s late-game fight was expected, despite the Heavy Bombers’ position in the standings.
“Honestly, I expected that naman kasi I respect Coach Louie and JRU and their staff. Siyempre sumali tayo sa liga na ito, expect natin ang unexpected. Hindi tayo puwede mag kumpiyansa porket wala na sila [sa Final Four race] but again, all the teams are fighting for the win eh, hindi naman for the position but for the win,” he explained.
Lyceum’s starting five stepped up all afternoon, outscoring JRU’s starters 54-30 with solid performances on both ends of the floor.
Renz Villegas and Gyle Montano led the Pirates with 18 points each, while Simon Penafiel contributed 10 points.
Vincent Cunanan orchestrated the offense, dishing out 10 assists.
Off the bench, John Barba was a force, scoring 20 points on 57.1% shooting.
With an even 8-8 record, Lyceum now holds a half-game advantage over fellow Final Four contenders Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Lyceum and EAC are set to clash with their Final Four hopes on the line on Tuesday, 11:00 a.m.
Guiab posted a game-high 27 points, adding nine rebounds and four assists for JRU.
De Jesus and Joseph Pangilinan were the only other Heavy Bombers in double figures, scoring 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Sharpshooter Shawn Argente struggled from the field, shooting just 1-of-11 and finishing with three points.
With a 4-12 record, JRU’s Final Four run has come to an end. They will face University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Tuesday, 2:30 p.m.
The Scores:
Lyceum 82 – Barba 20, Villegas 18, Montaño 18, Peñafiel 10, Cunanan 4, Aviles 4, Versoza 4, Guadaña 3, Daileg 1, Moralejo 0, Panelo 0
Jose Rizal 80 – Guiab 27, De Jesus 14, Pangilinan 10, Barrera 9, Raymundo 8, Sarmiento 4, Argente 3, Ferrer 3, Bernardo 2, Mosqueda 0, De Leon 0, Lozano 0, Panapanaan 0, Samontanes 0
Quarterscores: 23-21, 47-38, 64-61, 82-80
