Lyceum squeaks past St. Benilde in overtime

MANILA, Philippines—Floricel Guevarra nailed the crucial baskets as Lyceum outlasted St. Benilde, 94-89, in overtime Monday in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan city.

Guevarra, who hit the game-tying triple that forged the extra session, proved it was no fluke as he sank a momentum swinging basket that kick-started Lyceum’s surge with only 3:20 left.

Spitfire Carlo Lastimosa brought back the Blazers to within three, 89-92, but made a crucial turnover that led to a Jhygruz Laude lay-up that sealed the thrilling win for the Pirates.

“I’m not a very ambitious coach, I’m satisfied with our performance [throughout the season],” said Lyceum of the Philippines University coach Bonnie Tan, whose squad finished in sixth place with a 7-11 mark.

With the win, Lyceum assured itself of a spot in the coming Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

“We made it as a challenge [to make it into the Champions League],” added Tan.

Guevarra stepped up for the struggling Chris Cayabyab with the game-high 27 points to go along with eight rebounds.

The sharp-shooting Cayabyab was limited to just 11 points on four-of-14 shooting from the field.

Lastimosa shot a team-high 24 points but was nine-of-21 from the field including 0-of-five from downtown.

Lyceum made 38 free throws, seven more than College of St. Benilde’s 31 total attempts. The Pirates went to the line 52 times.

St. Benilde dropped to 6-12 to end another disappointing campaign.