Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) – The Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates barged into the win column of NCAA Season 97 after besting the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 82-75, on Wednesday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
The efforts of Enoch Valdez – the Pirates’ leading scorer – finally paid off with the victory, after finishing with a double-double performance of 21 points and 12 rebounds plus five steals.
Flashy guard Mac Guadana also found his rhythm for the Pirates with season-high 14 markers.
Lyceum’s win ended their three-game losing streak and left JRU as the only winless team in the league after four games.
Jason Celis and the Heavy Bombers had a strong first quarter start as they flashed their shooting dominance to tally a 12-point cushion at the end of the first canto, 24-12.
It was the Pirates’ turn in the second quarter to control the offense and boards by scoring 28 points in securing the halftime advantage, 40-38.
The third quarter ended with a deadlock for both teams, as JRU initially converted their buckets in the early minutes of the final period.
A layup made by JL Delos Santos last gave the lead for the Heavy Bombers, 73-72, as the Pirates fired off a 10-2 scoring run in the final two minutes of the match to seal the victory.
“I’m happy that they followed my instruction to play aggressive offensively and defensively,” said Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan in his collegiate debut win.
Celis led JRU with 24 points while Delos Santos churned out 14 markers as the boys of Cholo Villanueva fell alone at the bottom of the team standings.
Lyceum will battle San Sebastian on Sunday at 3 p.m., while JRU will plunge into action against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday at 3 p.m.
The Scores:
LYCEUM 82 – Valdez 21, Guadaña 14, Remulla 10, Larupay 9, Cunanan 6, Barba 6, Bravo 6, Guinto 4, Garro 3, Navarro 3, Umali 0.
JRU 75 – Celis 24, Delos Santos 14, Dionisio 14, Agbong 11, Macatangay 5, Gonzales 3, Jungco 2, Arenal 2, Aguilar 0, Bongay 0, Guiab 0.
Quarterscores: 12-24, 38-40, 61-61, 82-75
