Pirates break through; Altas rout Chiefs

Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA Season 97. NCAA/GMA PHOTO

While the rest of the Lyceum Pirates were celebrating their first win of Season 97 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, top player Enoch Valdez was already thinking of hitting the gym when the team returns to the school barracks on Wednesday afternoon.

After scoring 21 points in an 82-75 win over the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, the 6-foot-3 forward feels he needs the extra work, knowing that the Pirates need all the wins they could get to at least make the top six and garner a place in the play-in.

“I think it all starts in training,” said Valdez in Filipino, when asked how he would celebrate the win, Lyceum’s first in four games. “Maybe we will celebrate a little. But I will hit the gym and lift weights later and prepare for the next game.”

Earlier, Perpetual drubbed Arellano, 87-70, to halt a two-game losing skid as Jeff Egan scored 26 points for the 2-2 Altas, who dealt the Chiefs a third consecutive defeat in a 1-3 record.

Electrifying performance

In a battle of winless squads, Lyceum banked on Valdez’s electrifying performance on both ends, touching off a third quarter storm to overhaul a double-digit deficit and preserve the win at La Salle Greenhills Gym.

“I just told him (Valdez) to focus on his strengths,” said Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan. “I’m very proud of him and his work ethic.”

Malabanan, who took over the Pirates this season, was referring to Valdez’s shift from power forward to shooting forward which appears to suit the flashy slasher much better.

With his height and heft, Valdez anchored the Pirates’ defense while also being there to finish transition plays. Trailing, 43-41, Valdez zoomed for a fast break play off his own steal to highlight a 13-2 binge that turned the tide for Lyceum.

“I’d like to credit my staff, we had an effective press-break,” said Malabanan in Filipino. “It’s really our goal to play aggressive defense.”