Lyceum of the Philippines University escaped University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in an endgame thriller, getting an 86-82 victory in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the FilOil EcOil Centre in San Juan City.
Down by one, 67-68 at the end of the third, Jeff Egan opened the payoff period with a bucket to get the one-point, 69-68, advantage.
Lyceum though answered with a booming 12-3 run capped by an Omar Larupay three-point play, 80-70, right at the midway point of the fourth.
The Altas did not give up, though, and slowly but surely clawed back to the game. They eventually found themselves down by two, 82-84, after Art Roque’s two freebies.
With 12.9 seconds remaining, Mark Omega then fouled Barba, who split his free throws, 85-82.
Coming off a timeout, Perpetual was able to follow the play drawn for a Jielo Razon corner triple. Unfortunately for them, Razon air-balled the shot, closing the doors for an overtime possibility.
“I would like to give credit to my players. You know, as I’ve said, we have to bounce back stronger and they did naman this game,” said Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan.
The Pirates (8-5) got a little breathing room at the four spot, now two games above Jose Rizal University (6-5)
John Barba tied his NCAA career high with 20 points together with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Renzo Navarro and Mclaude Guadana both scored 14 markers. The former added seven dimes and three boards, while the latter had three rebounds and two assists.
For Perpetual, Art Roque and Carlo Ferreras both had 16 points with Ferreras also grabbing seven rebounds and four assists. Meanwhile, Roque contributed six boards and two dimes.
The Altas’ struggle continues, dropping down to 5-8.
Lyceum will look to sweep San Beda University in the eliminations on Wednesday at 3:00 PM. On the other hand, Perpetual will try to bounce back against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 12:00 NN on Tuesday.
The Scores:
Lyceum 86 — Barba 20, Navarro 14, Guadana 14, Penafiel 8, Bravo 7, Valdez 6, Umali 6, Montano 6, Larupay 5, Cunanan 0.
Perpetual 82 –– Ferreras 16, Roque 16, Razon 13, Egan 11, Omega 8, Flores 8, Abis 4, Nitura 4, Barcuma 2, Martel 0, Pagaran 0, Boral 0, Cuevas 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18, 47-40, 68-67, 86-82.
