NCAA: Lyceum zooms to 4-0 start but coach not satisfied with win

Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan talks with his assistant coaches during their game against San Sebastian at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.-NCAA Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Lyceum may have kept its hold of the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament’s top spot but coach Gilbert Malabanan is not fully satisfied with the team’s most recent victory.

On Tuesday at San Juan Arena, the Pirates kept their unblemished record after four games following a win over San Sebastian, 83-72, but Malabanan stressed that there were still lots of lapses on Lyceum’s end.

“First of all, I’m not very happy with our game because my main concern is how my players and team play. Whatever happens, I give more focus on the things I can control, which is the team itself,” said the top coach.

“My problem is my team. I do have to give credit to them despite our instances and lapses but still, a win is a win.”

After leading by as much as 11, Lyceum fumbled the ball several times which gave the Golden Stags some breathing room with just a two-point deficit, 74-72, in the final minutes of the game.

Collegiate Press Corps’ Player of the Week Shawn Umali, though, took matters into his own hands by sinking an inside bucket plus a charity stripe foul shot to put Lyceum up, 77-72, with 2:08 to go in the game.

John Barba spearheaded the undefeated Pirates with 20 points while Umali showed up big with 14 points and eight rebounds. Mclaude Guadana and JM Bravo, meanwhile, also chipped in 10 points each in the victory.

Rafael Are’s 15-point outing was put to waste as San Sebastian dropped to a 1-2 card. Reggz Gabat also dropped 13 points and eight boards but to no avail.

PERPETUAL FIRST WIN

Perpetual Help’s Jielo Razon huddles with his team mates. –NCAA Photo

Earlier, Perpetual Help put its best foot forward to take its first tourney win at the expense of Arellano, which is still winless after three games.

Marcus Nitura helped the Altas to a 1-2 card with a near double-double of 19 markers and nine rebounds while Christian Pagaran and Art Roque scattered 17 and 13 points, respectively. Mark Omega also put on a masterclass with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Jade Talampas was the sole double-digit scorer for the Chiefs with 23 markers in a losing effort.