NCAA: Letran survives Lyceum after controversial review

A dramatic game between Final Four contenders Letran and Lyceum ended in the most anticlimactic of ways after game officials huddled together for a review of a call after the buzzer.

The Knights came away with a 80-79 win over the Pirates after referees ruled Jaycee Marcelino’s field goal with 40.8 seconds left in the game was a long two instead of a three, which was the initial judgment.

Marcelino’s field goal initially tied the game at 80 but it was later deemed a two after the review that was conducted at the end of regulation instead of during the dead ball situations after the shot was made.

Still, it was a win the Knights badly needed as they improve to an 11-4 record to stay at the third seed while the Pirates settled at the second spot with a 14-2 slate.

“Good win or big win for us? I don’t know but we won it’s that simple,” said Letran head coach Jeff Napa in Filipino.

Although the game ultimately fell into the hands of the referees in a controversial decision, the match itself was a pulsating affair that saw the two teams slug it out in the final quarter.

Marcelino almost traveled on his spin attempt but was able to get up for a layup that gave Lyceum a 75-73 lead that Bong Quinto quickly erased with a literal falling down shot that tied it at 75-75.

Quinto would then work his magic twice more with his drives, giving the Knights an 80-77 lead with just two minutes left.

“The players gave it their all, it was all out all heart, I can’t say anything aside from that they gave it their all,” said Napa. “The kids are the ones laying it out on the line and I’m just here to guide them, teach them what’s right and tell them the things they’re not supposed to do. The good intention became good execution.”

Larry Muyang finished with a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double for Letran while Quinot delivered 20 points seven rebunds, and four assists.

JP Calvo played his part as the Knights’ floor general 18 points, four boards, and six assists.

Mike Nzeusseu led all scorers with 25 points with 10 rebounds while CJ Perez had 16 points and eight boards.