Lyceum of the Philippines University got the better of Mapua University in the first Battle of Intramuros this NCAA Season 98 Men’s Basketball tournament, taking a 76-67 triumph on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Leading only by six to open the second half, 39-33, the Pirates sparked a 13-1 run capped by John Barba’s free throw right at the 42-second mark in the third quarter to get the 59-46 advantage.
The lead reached a peak of 15 points, 74-59, in the payoff period following an Enzo Navarro free throw right after entering the final two-minute mark.
“Actually ako masasabi ko lang its a good win for us. Kumbaga high intensity, high level yung energy ng mga bata ngayon, mga players ko. The good thing is nanalo kami, pwede namin madala to on Saturday,” said Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan.
Barba led the way for the Pirates with 16 points, three rounds, and two assists. Meanwhile, Mclaude Guadana added 13 markers, two boards, three dimes, and three steals.
On the other hand, Paolo Hernandez led the Cardinals with 16 points and nine rebounds. Toby Agustin and Warren Bonifacio both had 12 markers. The former added nine boards, while the latter had 12 rebounds.
Lyceum will look to start a winning streak when it goes up against San Beda on Saturday. Meanwhile, Mapua will take on San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Sunday, also at 3:00 PM.
The Scores:
Lyceum 76 –– Barba 16, Guadana 13, Valdez 9, Navarro 8, Bravo 7, Larupay 6, Penafiel 6, Montano 5, Umali 3, Cunanan 3, Vinoya 0, Aviles 0.
Mapua 67 –– Hernandez 16, Bonifacio 12, Agustin 12, Lacap 7, A. Gamboa 7, Pido 4, Cuenco 3, Mercado 2, Garcia 2, Salenga 1, Parinas 1, Soriano 0.
Quarterscores: 15-19, 39-33, 59-49, 76-67.
