MANILA, Philippines – Guest team Lyceum ended any speculations of a fluke as it escaped University of Perpetual Help, 93-87, and notched its second win in the NCAA Season 87 Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.
The Pirates, who had a rousing debut by stunning College of St. Benilde, drew 17 points and four rebounds from Christopher Cayabyab.
Lyceum almost squandered a 14-point spread it built at the 6:40 mark of the payoff period, with a slew of crucial errors allowing Perpetual Help to pull within, 87-91.
With the win, Lyceum took the early lead in the standings with a 2-0 slate.
The Pirates even looked as though they were ready to pull away as a three-point play by Jhygruz Laude brought the lead back to 91-81.
But the Altas, this year’s host, blitzed to a 6-0 run but failed to pounce on the Pirates errors in the waning seconds that could have put them even closer.
Jet Vidal misfired on a clear shot beyond-the-arc off the timeout after he and Chris Elopre missed four free-throws combined in the last two minutes.
Vidal had 17 points to pace still winless Perpetual Help, who has one of the most depleted line-ups in recent memory.