Lyceum of the Philippines University hurdled another tough test, escaping San Beda University, 67-62, to stay perfect in the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
The Pirates went up to 6-0 for the season, remaining at the top of the standings.
But just like in their game against Arellano last Friday, Lyceum had to hold its breathe and dig deep to gut out this one.
“Isa lang sinabi ko sa kanila: its our game. Sa atin to. Mananalo tayo dito and just believe,” said Pirates head coach Gilbert Malabanan.
The Pirates faced a strong fourth-quarter challenge from the Red Lions, led by Jacob Cortez, who scored 11 consecutive points for San Beda. Cortez hit two triples, made a layup, and assisted Damie Cuntapay for a three-pointer, tying the game at 57-57.
However, the Pirates quickly responded with a 7-0 run to regain their advantage.
With a two-point lead and 34 seconds left, Guadaña fouled Cortez, giving San Beda an opportunity to tie the game. Cortez missed both free throws, sealing the victory for the Pirates.
Enoch Valdez, the 18th overall pick in the 2023 PBA Draft by NLEX, only had a 25-percent shooting clip but his 10 points were pivotal for the Pirates, ncluding a steal and dunk in the last 30 seconds that put the Pirates up by four, 62-66.
Mclaude Guadaña led the Pirates with 12 points, while Renz Villegas and John Barba contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Shawn Umali rebounded from his previous performance against Arellano University with nine points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
The Pirates will next face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
San Beda fell to 3-2 as they kept their spot in the fourth spot in the standings.
Cortez was the only player in double digits for the Red Lions, scoring a career-high 23 points, followed by Jomel Puno and Cuntapay with eight points each.
They have a long break as their next battle against Jose Rizal University is on Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
The Scores:
Lyceum 67 – Guadana 12, Villegas 11, Barba 10, Valdez 10, Umali 9, Penafiel 5, Bravo 3, Montano 3, Omandac 2, Versoza 2, Cunanan 0, Moralejo 0, Aviles 0
San Beda 62 – Cortez 23, Puno 8, Cuntapay 8, Andrada 7, Jopia 5, Payosing 4, Alfaro 3, Gonzales 2, Visser 2, Gallego 0, Tagle 0
Quarterscores: 16-18; 38-37; 54-46; 67-62
