NCAA: Villegas hits game-winner as Lyceum stuns San Sebastian

MANILA — Renz Villegas buried a clutch midrange jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining to rescue Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates from the jaws of defeat, pulling off a dramatic 78-77 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.

With the Pirates trailing by a point and time running out, Villegas delivered the game-winning basket that shattered San Sebastian’s hopes of finally breaking into the win column after eight consecutive defeats.

The thrilling escape lifted Lyceum to a 3-5 win-loss record in Group A, while the Golden Stags remained winless at 0-8.

San Sebastian appeared headed for its breakthrough victory when Ralph Gabat scored four consecutive points, including a basket off a foul, to overturn Lyceum’s advantage and give the Golden Stags a 77-76 lead with only 5.1 seconds remaining.

But the Pirates had one final answer.

Coming off a timeout, Lyceum executed a play that freed Villegas for a midrange jumper, which he calmly knocked down to reclaim the lead, 78-77, with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock.

Villegas, who finished with 17 points, credited the Pirates’ coaching staff and his teammates for recognizing the defensive breakdown that created the winning opportunity.

“Credits sa coaches do’n sa play. Parang nag-breakdown lang ‘yong defense, ‘di para sa’kin ‘yong play,” Villegas said. “Buti na-recognize ng teammates ko, wala ng oras kaya nagtiwala lang ako, wala ng oras, e.”

Mac Guadaña provided additional firepower for Lyceum with 13 points, while Jonathan Daileg contributed 10 markers.

Gabat spearheaded San Sebastian’s determined bid for its first victory with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Niel Castor added 13 points.

However, their efforts proved insufficient as the Golden Stags suffered another heartbreaking setback.

Meanwhile, Mapúa University Cardinals displayed their resilience anew, erasing a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit before defeating University of Perpetual Help Altas, 65-60, in overtime.

The Cardinals improved to 5-3 in Group A after securing their second consecutive overtime victory, following their thrilling triumph over Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights earlier in the week.

Cyrus Cuenco emerged as Mapúa’s hero in the extra period, scoring nine of the Cardinals’ 11 overtime points to complete their comeback.

Cuenco finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Yam Concepcion and Marcus Nitura contributed 14 points apiece. Jamal Diaz added 12 markers.

LA Casinillo led Perpetual Help with 17 points, while Mark Gojo Cruz chipped in 10.

The Altas absorbed their fifth consecutive defeat, dropping to a 2-6 record in Group B./PN