MANILA – Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates leaned on a strong fourth quarter run for a 79-71 win over Mapua University Cardinals in the NCAA Season 95 seniors basketball at the San Juan Arena.
Holding to a slim 61-57 lead after the
first three quarters, the Pirates surged to an 8-1 run at the onset of the
fourth quarter on Friday night. The lead went up to 69-58 and the Cardinals
failed to recover.
Jaycee Marcelino and Ralph Tansingco had 14 points each while Reymar Caduyac
and Jeff Santos added 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
The Pirates improved to 2-1 slate.
“We grinded it out with Mapua and we’re just happy. It’s kinda ugly with the
way we played but we’re always going to take the good with the bad,” said
Pirates head coach Topex Robinson.
Rookie Paolo Hernandez unleashed 17 of his 19 points in the second half, to go with five rebounds.
Cyril Gonzales had 16 points, two boards
and two assists for Mapua (0-2).
Meanwhile, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights pulled off a tight 82-80
overtime win over the University of Perpetual Help Altas to extend its win
streak to three games after losing the first match.
Edson Batiller drilled 22 points, including a split free throw, with 4.6
seconds remaining in overtime.
Renato Ular also chipped in
double-double 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Knights.
In the third game, Agem Miranda converted a go-ahead triple with 1.7 seconds
left as the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers prevailed over Arellano
University Chiefs, 80-77.
Miranda finished the match with 25
points for the Heavy Bombers (1-2)./PN
