Lyceum Pirates celebrate after beating the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Lyceum upped its winning streak to four after defeating Perpetual Help, 82-77, in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
The Pirates clawed back from 11 points down in the first half to improve to a league-best 4-1 win-loss record.
“The biggest adjustment I made was I put in the second unit. We couldn’t get close with our first unit (starters) so I talked to the bench. I needed them,” Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan said.
The Altas, who dropped to 2-3, led by seven at the end of the third quarter, 63-56.
Lyceum shifted to second gear to begin the final period with an 18-7 run to take the lead, capped by a Vincent Cunanan triple with 3:00 left, 74-70.
Several baskets were exchanged in the last two minutes before Shawn Umali scored a tough bucket inside to keep the Altas at bay, 78-74, with 47.3 remaining. He finished with 10 points and eight rebounds Lyceum.
The Pirates also relied on Enoch Valdez and Mac Guadaña who finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Jielo Razon notched a double-double in a losing effort for Perpetual Help with 18 markers and 10 boards. Kim Aurin scored 11 while Cedrick Abis also had himself a double-double with 11 and 15.