LYCEUM of the Philippines University called on its captain Vincent Cunanan in the clutch and sank a pair of dagger three-pointers late as it stunned San Beda, 64-62, yesterday that sent it barging into the magic four in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Trailing with the clock winding down, Cunanan bravely took two of the biggest shots of his life and made both triples late that lifted the Pirates straight to the top four with the Letran Knights on a 6-5 card.
“That time, pababa na shot clock, open ako, nakita ako ni (John) Barba, kaya kahit 0 of 6 ako du’n tinira ko na,” said the 25-year-old Mabalacat, Pampanga native who is playing his final season.
“He’s my leader, my captain ball. Sabi ko sa kanya ‘pag nasa loob siya ng court, siya ang coach,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan of Cunanan, who ended up scoring 11 points.
The Lions had six seconds to either force overtime with a bucket or steal the win with a trey but Bryan Sajonia lost the ball while trying to drive into the lane.
After snatching the victory, the Pirates celebrated on centercourt like they already won the championship.
“Siyempre, iba Beda ‘pag kalaban mo, siyempre champion team sila. Any team gusto talunin Beda,” said Cunanan, who avenged their 79-63 opening-day defeat to the Lions at the MOA Arena a month ago.
The defending champion slipped to 7-4.
Meanwhile, Mapua leaned on its one-two punch in Clint Escamis and Marc Cuenco as it trounced Emilio Aguinaldo College, 82-79, to snare solo No. 2.
Escamis paced his team with 23 points while Cuenco scattered 16 including a huge triple late that helped power the Cardinals to their eighth win in 11 outings, half a game behind the league-leading St. Benilde Blazers (8-2).
The Generals dropped to 5-6.
Games Wednesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m.- Arellano vs St. Benilde
2:30 p.m.- JRU vs SSC-R
