Lyceum of the Philippines University found a hero in Jonathan Daileg late as it repulsed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 74-65, on Tuesday to move a step closer to advancing to the NCAA Season 100 Final Four at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Daileg poured in all his 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Pirates turn a five-point deficit to their ninth victory against eight defeats, which was good for solo fourth spot and at least a playoff for a semis berth.
LPU would automatically seal the last spot to the post season if it could hurdle a powerhouse College of St. Benilde (13-3) side Friday.
“Ang key dyan yung trust. Kung sino kunin ko siyempre pinagkakatiwalaan ko, pag maganda pinakita tuloy tuloy na,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan, whose rabbit he pulled from his magic hat was Daileg.
John Bravo contributed two points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes of action on his return since undergoing concussion protocol for several weeks.
The result sent the Generals from a share of No. 4 to joint No. 5 with the Letran Knights on 8-9 slates.
If there’s any consolation, EAC remained in the Final Four hunt assuming it would hurdle its last elimination round assignment in Jose Rizal U Friday and pray LPU loses to CSB that same day.
If it happens, it will force either a playoff for the last semis seat in case of a two-way tie or a pair of playoffs in case of a three-way logjam for No. 4.
But it could have been EAC celebration after it seized a 54-49 lead and what appeared like momentum on a free throw by Wilmar Oftana with over seven minutes to go in the game.
Daileg, however, showed up and shot the daggers straight into the hearts of the Generals to help complete the Pirates’ escape act.
Games Wednesday (Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m.- AU vs Letran
2:30 p.m.- San Beda vs CSB
6 p.m.- SSC-R vs Mapua
