Pressure-free Pirates extend streak to four

Perpetual’s Jelo Razon (with ball) takes a hard foul from Arellano’s Joshua Abastillas. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Lyceum won its fourth straight game in Season 99 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and Pirates coach Gilbert Malabanan is not about to pressure his charges in order to keep the streak going.

“[The Pirates] just have to enjoy and play, no pressure at all. That’s No. 1,” Malabanan said after an 83-72 win over San Sebastian that was carved out after they checked an alarming fourth quarter skid. “How will they perform if they are not enjoying the game? I trust my players and they trust me also. That’s the key.”

The fourth quarter lapses could have been fatal for the Pirates, who allowed the Golden Stags to close the gap, 74-72, before Shawn Umali, who finished with 14 points and eight boards, stepped up for Lyceum.

In an earlier matchup, Perpetual Help arrested its losing skid with an 85-66 victory over Arellano, handing the Generals a third straight loss in the process.

Cyrus Nitura had 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists to lead Perpetual, which pulled out the win despite shooting 28-for-74 from the field.

Lyceum standout John Barba posted 20 points and five rebounds in the victory.

“We will celebrate this win today,” Malabanan said. “Tomorrow, we go back to work because there is still a long way to go.”

Rafael Are led the Stags with 15 points as San Sebastian slipped to 1-2 card. Reggz Gabat had 13 points and eight boards in the loss.

The Altas improved to 1-2 as 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. INQ