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MANILA, Philippines – At least Lyceum went out of the 2013 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup on a winning note.
The Pirates bucked an atrocious fourth quarter and survived San Sebastian 67-66 on Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan to conclude their pre-season stint with a 1-7 card.
“We’re happy for this win. At least we ended the Filoil not winless,” said head coach Bonnie Tan in Filipino after the game.
But Lyceum did not win it without luck, as the Stags had the final shot and the chance to snatch the game away more than 11 ticks left.
The Pirates were up 67-63 on a split by starting forward John Azores, but Jon Rebollos uncorked a triple to inch the Stags within a point.
Jaymark Perez, who was a revelation for the rebuilding San Sebastian this tournament, had the ball in the final possession but wasted the time away.
It was a relief for the Pirates, who allowed the Stags to score 20 in the fourth quarter while only churning out nine.
“At least we pulled through. They had the last shot, and we could’ve lost the game but at least we still won in the end. It wasn’t unlike our other games where we we’re really defeated,” said Tan.
Mark Francisco topscored for Lyceum, which hopes to make a competitive run in the NCAA, with 20 points and eight rebounds while Wilson Baltazar and Azores added 13 and 12.
Tan is also hopeful the momentum off the Pirates’ lone victory here carries on in the NCAA, which start June 22.
“We expect to have a season like this like we’re going to have a lot of trials. But I hope we carry over this win,” said Tan.
Perez, meanwhile, had 14 points and 18 big rebounds for the Stags, who are hoping to regain the fierce form they once had in the NCAA.