Even with a loaded lineup, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights still could not solve their neighbors Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.
In a highly-anticipated showdown between two of the elite teams in the NCAA, the Pirates stormed back from 11 points down to stun the Knights, 87-82, Friday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Lyceum remained unblemished in the tournament, sporting an 8-0 record — picking up their 26th straight elimination round win. Letran, on the other hand, fell to fifth with a 4-3 slate.
“Again, Letran is a contender and this game validates that,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson. “Prior to this game, we reminded the players about inspiring others because that’s how we play basketball. We just cannot give up.”
Behind a fiery JP Calvo and the twin tower combination of Larry Muyang and Christian Fajarito, the Knights were able to take a 76-65 lead with 6:07 left.
MJ Ayaay and CJ Perez then took charge for the Pirates.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila, enjoy lang,” said Ayaay, the team captain of the Pirates. “The past few games kami hindi na kami nagsmismile. Feeling namin palagi pagod kami at nakokontento kami. Kailangan lang namin i-enjoy yung laro.”
Slowly, the two chipped into the lead, eventually cutting down the lead to just one, 80-81, with 1:44 left.
Raymar Caduyac was then able to draw a foul from Christian Fajarito and knock down two free throws to give Lyceum the lead with 58.5 seconds remaining.
Letran could not contain Lyceum on both ends afterwards that led to five straight points for Jaycee Marcelino to complete the come-from-behind win. Moreover, Jeo Ambohot missed a potential-game tying triple with 25 ticks left.
Ayaay had 20 points for Lyceum while Mike Nzeusseu and Perez added 16 points each. Nzeusseu hauled down 11 rebounds as well.
Lyceum edged out Letran in the rebounding department, 50-49.
“They used their ceiling against us. They had more possession than us. Credit to coach Jeff [Napa] for building this team,” Robinson said.
Calvo led Letran with 18 points while Bong Quinto flirted with a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Muyang and Fajarito combined for 25 points and 19 rebounds.
Lyceum looks to sweep the round when it faces the San Beda Red Lions on Tuesday, 21. Letran
The Scores:
LPU 87 – Ayaay 20, Nzeusseu 16, Perez 16, Marcelino JC 10, Santos 9, Marcelino JV 7, Caduyac 6, Tansingco 2, Yong 1, Ibanez 0, Serrano 0, Pretta 0, Cinco 0, Valdez 0
CSJL 82 – Calvo 18, Quinto 13, Muyang 13, Fajarito 12, Ambohot 10, Batiller 10, Balanza 4, Yu 2, Taladua 0, Mandrez 0, Balagasay 0, Agbong 0, Celis 0
Quarterscores: 25-26, 47-39, 58-64, 87-82
