Lyceum of the Philippines University survived a late rally from San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 78-77, to secure its second straight win in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Coming off a 98-89 victory over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Tuesday, the Pirates improved to 3-5 in Group A, while the Golden Stags remained winless at 0-8 in Group B.
“Samin naman, during halftime, nag-adjust lang kami at hindi kami nakumpiyansa. The good thing is nakabalik kami. May mga lapses, pero kayang lagpasan,” said Renz Villegas.
Lyceum encountered its first major setback when head coach Jamike Jarin was ejected after receiving his second technical foul midway through the second quarter.
With 6:36 remaining in the third quarter, team captain Genesis Aviles was stretchered off the court following an apparent knee injury.
Despite the setbacks, the Pirates opened the third quarter with an 11-3 run and eventually built a double-digit lead.
San Sebastian, however, refused to go down without a fight, clawing its way back in the fourth quarter by attacking the paint, drawing fouls, and getting contributions from across the lineup.
Down 76-74, Ralph Gabat found an open lane and drove to the basket for an and-one opportunity, putting the Golden Stags ahead, 77-76, with just five seconds remaining.
Villegas quickly answered with a jumper to reclaim the lead for Lyceum, 78-77, with 1.1 seconds left on the clock.
On the other end, the Pirates came up with a crucial defensive stop, denying Niel Castor on his potential game-winning three-pointer to preserve the victory.
“Noong timeout, nagdadasal lang ako na sana maipanalo namin ‘yung game na ’to. Masaya kami dahil nakuha namin ‘yung pangalawang sunod na panalo namin,” Villegas added.
Villegas finished with 17 points and four assists, including the game-winning basket.
Mclaude Guadana chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while Jonathan Daileg added 10 points, three rebounds, and two steals.
Lyceum will next face Arellano University on October 22 to close out the crossover phase.
Gabat led all scorers with 22 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort, while Castor contributed 13 points.
San Sebastian, meanwhile, will continue its search for its first victory when it takes on Mapúa University on October 19.
The Scores:
Lyceum 78 — Villegas 17, Guadana 13, Daileg 10, Penafiel 9, Aurigue 7, Ondoa 7, Fuentes 6, Rubico 4, Matienzo 3, Gordon 2, Nocum 0, Manuel 0, Cardinas 0, Aviles 0, Almario 0.
San Sebastian 77 — Gabat 22, Castor 13, Ynot 9, Alforque 9, Bacani 6, Suico 6, Muktimar 6, Ricio 2, Velasco 2, Dimaunahan 2, Cuya 0, Segovia 0, Barroga 0.
Quarterscores: 20-23, 38-38, 63-58, 78-77.
