The Letran Knights pulled off a controversial win over the Lyceum Pirates after the referees downgraded a supposed triple by Jaycee Marcelino into a two-point basket in the last 43 seconds.
Marcelino’s “triple” tied the score at 80-all.
But upon review of the referees, done two empty possessions later and as time ran out, the basket was decided as a two-pointer, allowing the Knights to escape with an 80-79 victory–their 11th in 16 games in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Larry Muyang showed the way with 23 points, while Bong Quinto added 20, including a three-point play and layup allowing the Knights to overtake the Pirates, 80-77, before Marcelino’s controversial basket was downgraded.
Lyceum, with Mike Nzeusseu making 25 points and 10 rebounds, dropped behind the San Beda Red Lions (14-1) with their 14-2 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, striking hard early, the Arellano University Chiefs took a big lead and held on to it until the end for an 86-70 win over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.
Second-unit players Archie Concepcion, Daniel Bayla and Guilmer de la Torre led the charge and their huge efforts saw the Chiefs moving away following a 15-2 run in the opening minutes of the game.
Interim coach Junjie Ablan was impressed by the cohesion of his starters, who gave him his first win since taking over the reins from Jerry Codinera.
“We played good defense. Nagawa ng mga players ang game plan,” said Ablan as the Chiefs ended their five-game slump with a bang.
Levi de la Cruz tallied 19 points, unloading three consecutive triples in the second period to hand the Chiefs a 38-14 lead.
The Chiefs, with Rence Alcoriza adding 11 points, improved in sixth place at 5-10.
The Heavy Bombers, who lost Jed Mendoza midway in the first period after getting poked in the left eye, took their eighth straight setback to drop to 2-14 in the standings.
In the junior division, the Malayan Red Robins, led by Paolo Hernandez with 18 points, weathered a late rally and escaped with a 74-73 win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers.
Jonel Policarpio provided 13 as the Red Robins hiked their record at no. 2 position to 12-4.
John Amores fired 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds to carry the JRU Light Bombers to a 75-73 triumph over the Arellano University Braves, who rallied from 10 points down in the last 2:42.
The Light Bombers, who also drew 19 points from John de los Santos, stayed on course for a Final Four seat with their 10-6 slate in fourth spot.”‹
