MANILA – Vincent Cunanan converted two timely three-pointers as Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates stunned San Beda University Red Lions, 64-62, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Down 58-60 after a three-pointer by Red Lions’ Penny Estacio with 44 seconds left, the Pirates responded with an outside conversion from Cunanan to give the Pirates a 61-60 advantage with 21 ticks remaining.
San Beda grabbed the lead for the last time at 62-61 on a perimeter basket by Estacio, but Lyceum snatched the lead and the win after another Cunanan triple with eight seconds left.
Cunanan finished the game with 11 points, while Gyle Montaño added 12 markers as the Pirates improved to a 6-5 win-loss slate following their come-from-behind victory.
“Patay na ‘yung shot clock. Nakita ako ni (John) Barba and libre ako. Kahit nagmimintis ako sa una, eh open ako, tinira ko na talaga. Ngayon pasok naman, sa awa ng Diyos,” said Cunanan.
“Kilala naman ‘yung team namin na hindi talaga naggi-give up hanggang sa final buzzer. Kaya laban lang talaga kahit na lamang, laban pa rin kami. So binigay din namin yung best namin hanggang dulo,” he added.
John Bismark Lina finished with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Yukien Andrada and Jomel Puno added 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the reigning champions Red Lions dropped to 7-4.
Meanwhile, Marc Cuenco buried a go-ahead triple as Mapua University Cardinals prevailed over Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 82-79. They Cardinals improved to an 8-3 record, while the Generals dropped to 5-6.
With the score tied at 79-all, Cuenco attacked the defense of Generals’ Kyle Jacob before he connected a three-pointer from the top of the key to give the Cardinals the lead for good.
Cuenco finished with 16 points, including two three-point conversions, to go with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Clint Escamis top-scored for Mapua with 23 points./PN
