NCAA: Lyceum Pirates attribute winning to trusting each other

Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan huddles his players during a game against EAC in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament. NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan said the Pirates have built trust for another that has led to the team’s three-game winning streak.

The Pirates’ early success has put them in second place tied with the Arellano Chiefs at 3-1.

“So far, I saw one good thing out of them, and that’s their trust,” Malabanan said following their 74-67 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday. 

That trust has also allowed Lyceum to execute its offense by sharing the ball effectively. The Pirates had 19 assists against the Generals after garnering 20 assists in their win over San Beda on Saturday.

“Before, they were struggling, everybody wanted to score, but now I can see that they follow our system. They create for their teammates and not for themselves,” Malabanan said.

Claude Guadaña led Lyceum with 12 points, including a crucial triple down the stretch.

Guadaña said the loss to College of St. Benilde helped the Pirates learn the importance of trusting each other including the coaching staff.

“It started in the CSB game. After that game, I don’t know, maybe because of the first game jitters, we all went home by ourselves. After that, our board always has one word written: trust. Trust your teammates and trust the coaches,” he said.

“Final Four is the goal but we have a smaller goal which is to take it one game at a time.”

Lyceum shoots for a fourth consecutive victory against San Sebastian (2-1) on Saturday at 3 p.m.