In a crucial showdown between two schools aiming to secure a spot in the Final Four of the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA triumphed over Lyceum of the Philippines University in overtime, 89-83, on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Altas maintained a lead for much of the fourth quarter until the Pirates launched a late rally to narrow the gap.
With a two-point lead at 77-75, the Pirates saw their advantage vanish when Jonathan Daileg sank a jumper from the corner.
Initially ruled a three-pointer, officials downgraded the shot to a two-pointer during a timeout, transforming a potential deficit into a tie game at 77-77, sending the match into overtime.
In the extra period, the Altas took control, limiting the Pirates to just six points and securing an 89-83 victory.
JP Boral led the Altas’ attack, scoring a team-high 18 points while contributing six rebounds and three assists.
Cris Pagaran was equally crucial, adding 16 points along with three steals and two blocks on the defensive end.
Jearico Nunez chipped in with 15 points, five of which came in overtime, where he nearly matched Lyceum’s total points.
John Abis made a significant impact for Lyceum, registering a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
This victory was much-needed for the Altas, who had struggled throughout the second round, losing six of their last seven games in the tournament.
They also avenged a heartbreaking first-round loss to the Pirates, where they fell short by just two points, 62-64, thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Joshua Moralejo of the Pirates.
With a 6-8 record, Perpetual now looks ahead to a challenging matchup against the top-ranked College of Saint Benilde on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
Renz Villegas shouldered the scoring load for the Pirates, finishing with a game-high 23 points on 50% shooting from the field.
John Barba was consistent off the bench with 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Jonathan Daileg added 10 points.
In what was once a three-way tie for the fourth spot in the standings, Lyceum has now fallen behind Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Emilio Aguinaldo College, dropping to a 6-7 record.
The Pirates have a matchup against Mapua University awaiting them on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
The Scores:
Perpetual Help 89 – Boral 18, Pagaran 16, Nuñez 15, Abis 12, Gojo Cruz 9, Manuel 7, Pizarro 6, Montemayor 4, Gelsano 2
Lyceum 83 – Villegas 23, Barba 17, Daileg 10, Guadaña 9, Moralejo 9, Aviles 5, Peñafiel 4, Montaño 3, Versoza 3, Panelo 0, Gordon 0, Pallingayan 0
Quarterscores: 26-25, 46-45, 64-59, 77-77, 89-83.
