Batang Gilas standout Mclaude Guadana fired 13 points and towed four teammates who scored in double digits for the Lyceum Junior Pirates on Tuesday evening.
Their efforts powered the Junior Pirates to a 92-58 smothering of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.
Their third consecutive win gave the Junior Pirates a 7-7 win-loss record in sixth place, and a fighting chance to reach the Final Four.
Their closest rivals, the San Sebastian Staglets are now ahead at 7-6.
“We’re desperate. And we still have a chance,” said Junior Pirates coach LA Mumar.
The Junior Pirates were quick to take control, getting off to a 5-0 start behinf a triple and a layup from Guadana in the last 8:37 of the first period.
As the Brigadiers came back, 7-all, the Junior Pirates were back in the lead behind the sniping of Vincent Cunanan, 13-7, in the final 3:01.
Back-to-back hit from Chester Jungco pushed the Junior Pirates ahead, 17-8.
The Junior Pirates can reach the Final Four if they keep on winning, and if they hurdle the Staglets in their next game on Friday.
Rey de Quiros contributed 15 points for the Brigadiers.