Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — Renzo Navarro came up clutch to lift the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates to their second win in NCAA Season 97 at the expense of the Arellano University Chiefs, 70-66, on Friday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Navarro scored all his 10 points in the last 2:26 of the tight contest, which saw the Pirates climb up from a game-high 10-point deficit in halftime.
The former San Sebastian Staglet drained two triples in the final minute of the match, where his second trey gave them the lead at 66-64 with 53.4 seconds remaining.
Arellano’s versatile big man Justin Arana tied the game with an up-and-under inside shot in the last possession, but Navarro answered it with a tough lay-up for a 68-66 Lyceum lead in the final 30.2 seconds.
Chiefs guard Gelo Sablan missed his two free-throws in the final 8.3 seconds, which could have made a difference in the battle.
Navarro – who also finished with seven assists in the game – was fouled in the ensuing play and converted his two charities that sealed their second win against five losses.
Enoch Valdez led Lyceum with 17 points while Mac Guadana added 12 markers for the Gilbert Malabanan-mentored squad.
Arana’s individual production of 17 points and 24 rebounds went for naught as Arellano dropped to 2-5 in a triple tie with Lyceum and Perpetual Help.
Lyceum and Perpetual Help will go their separate ways on Sunday noon, while Arellano seeks to bounce back against Emilio Aguinaldo College at the 3 p.m. game.
The Scores:
LYCEUM 70 — Valdez 17, Guadana 12, Navarro 10, Umali 6, Barba 5, Cunanan 5, Guinto 5, Remulla 4, Bravo 4, Larupay 2, Silvarez 0, Garro 0, Jabel 0.
ARELLANO 66 — Arana 17, Sta. Ana 14, Cruz 12, Sablan 10, Oliva 6, Doromal 5, Carandang 2, Talampas 0, Caballero 0, Uri 0.
Quarterscores: 14-21, 29-39, 48-49, 70-66.
