Lyceum of the Philippines University closed out the crossover phase of the NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball tournament on a winning note, overcoming Arellano University, 62-57, behind another all-around performance from Matthew Rubico on Thursday at the San Juan Arena.
Rubico orchestrated the Pirates’ offense with 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds as Lyceum secured its second consecutive victory against Group B opponents to improve to 4-5 in Group A.
The young guard emphasized the importance of sharing the ball as the Pirates continued to build momentum after a difficult start to their campaign.
“Tinatry ko lang i-involve ‘yong teammates ko kasi ‘di pwedeng ako lang ‘yong i-score,” said Rubico. “Kailangan lahat kami masaya, lahat kami dapat makakahawak ng bola.”
Lyceum had to navigate the contest without head coach Jamike Jarin, who served a one-game suspension after being ejected during the team’s previous outing against San Sebastian. Team captain Gen Aviles was also sidelined after suffering a knee injury in the same game.
Despite the absences, the Pirates found a way to deliver a victory they dedicated to their coach and captain.
“Itong game na ‘to, inaalay talaga namin ‘to kay Coach Jamike tsaka sa captain namin. Para sa kanila talaga ‘to, bago magsimula ‘tong game na ‘to, ’yun na nakatatak sa puso at isip namin,” Rubico said.
“Sana naging proud sila sa’min.”
Lance Aurigue contributed 11 points, while Mac Guadaña added 10 to provide additional scoring for Lyceum, which handed the Chiefs their fourth defeat in nine games.
Arellano slipped to a 5-4 record despite a double-double from Basty Valencia, who finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Valencia, however, struggled with his shooting, converting just five of his 22 attempts from the field as the Chiefs failed to complete their crossover campaign on a high note.
With the crossover phase concluded, Jose Rizal University finished atop Group A with a 7-2 record, while Letran claimed the top spot in Group B at 6-3.
The Scores:
Lyceum 62 – Rubico 15, Aurigue 11, Guadana 10, Ondoa 8, Penafiel 6, Matienzo 5, Daileg 4, Villegas 3, Pallingayan 0, Gordon 0, Fuentes 0, Panelo 0, Manuel 0, Nocum 0, Caduyac 0
Arellano 57 – Valencia 11, Geronimo 8, Hernal 8, Flores 7, Borromeo 5, Anama 5, Cabotaje 4, Vinoya 4, Langit 3, Manansala 2, Barraca 0, Camay 0, Buenaventura 0, Abiera 0
Quarterscores: 15-15, 34-31, 46-45, 62-57
