Lyceum’s Enoch Valdez. NCAA PHOTO
Lyceum leaned heavily on a spirited second unit to outwork Arellano, 70-66, and keep its flickering hopes alive for at least securing a play-in spot in the NCAA Season 97 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Enoch Valdez fired 17 points in a starting role, but it was the trio of playmaker Renzo Navarro, Mclaude Guadana and Omar Larupay who did a considerable amount of lifting for the Pirates, who had to wipe off a troubling double-digit deficit early on.
Lyceum’s collective efforts also negated Justin Arana’s monstrous figures around the rim for the Chiefs after the bullstrong forward tossed 17 points, pulled down 24 boards and had four blocks.
Arana’s rebounds were the most for the league since Mapua’s Allwell Oraeme registered 25 boards in a rookie-MVP season back in 2016.
The Pirates improved to 2-5, just a game ahead of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers (1-6) in the pits, tying the Chiefs and the Perpetual Altas in the process.
Their chances of seizing a playoff berth for a Final Four opportunity now hinged on how the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals and the San Sebastian Stags, who both carry 3-4 records, will play out their remaining matches.
The Scores
LYCEUM 70—Valdez 17, Guadana 12, Navarro 10, Umali 6, Barba 5, Cunanan 5, Guinto 5, Remulla 4, Bravo 4, Larupay 2, Silvarez 0, Garro 0, Jabel 0.
ARELLANO 66—Arana 17, Sta. Ana 14, Cruz 12, Sablan 10, Oliva 6, Doromal 5, Carandang 2, Talampas 0, Caballero 0, Uri 0.
Quarters: 14-21, 29-39, 48-49, 70-66