LYCEUM of the Philippines University solidified its Final Four bid with a decisive 93-85 victory over San Sebastian College in the NCAA Season 100 on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Pirates dominated the paint, drawing numerous fouls and converting 27 of 38 free throws as they improved their season record to 7-8, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
“Baste (SSC-R) wala masyado shot-blocker kaya naging game plan namin is to attack the basket, we took advantage lang doon,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan.
“But we also have to work out on our free throws,” he added, referring to their 11 misses from the charity area.
Skipper Renz Villegas and John Barba provided the offensive firepower and shot 25 and 20 points, respectively.
To stay in the race, LPU would need to sweep its last three assignments—solo leader College of St. Benilde, Jose Rizal U and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
The Pirates made their move in the second quarter when they erased a 17-16 deficit and transformed it to a 40-33 edge at the break.
Then, LPU unleashed a series of runs in the third quarter where they finally broke loose after erecting a 71-50 advantage entering the final canto.
The Stags dropped to 4-11.
Meanwhile, Tmac Ongotan and Basti Valencia teamed up in the fourth quarter as Arellano University turned back a valiant Jose Rizal U, 81-75, to remain in the Final Four conversation with a 6-9 record.
Ongotan poured in 10 of his 17 points, while Valencia scored eight of his game-high 25 in the final canto to power the Chiefs to the victory and a share of seventh spot with the University of Perpetual Help Altas.
More importantly, AU could still gatecrash into the semis assuming it could sweep its last three outings and if the stars aligned.
The Bombers were defused at 4-11.
The scores:
First Game
LPU 93 – Villegas 25, Barba 20, Peñafiel 10, Montaño 9, Guadaña 8, Panelo 6, Cunanan 4, Versoza 4, Daileg 3, Aviles 2, Moralejo 2, Caduyac 0
San Sebastian 85 – Felebrico 18, Aguilar 14, Are 12, Escobido 12, Velasco 6, R. Gabat 5, L. Gabat 4, Pascual 4, Barroga 3, Suico 3, Lintol 2, Cruz 2, Maliwat 0, Ramilo 0, Ricio 0
Quarterscores: 16-17; 40-33; 71-50; 93-85
Games Wednesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m.- EAC vs San Beda
2:30 p.m.- UPHSD vs Mapua
