MANILA – Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates continued its winning run in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball via an 82-77 victory over the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Enoch Valdez led the way with 13 points to go with three rebounds and two steals. MacLaude Guadaña chipped in 12 points.
The Pirates moved up to joint first place with 4-1 slate.
Shawn Umali added 10 points, eight rebounds and two steals, while Lorenzo Navarro contributed nine points, including four clutch free throws in the endgame, for the streaking Lyceum.
Pirates head coach Gilbert Malabanan lauded Valdez, one of the senior players in Lyceum squad, for his game-long brilliance as proved by his +9 efficiency rating inside the court.
“I’ll gonna say na nakita ko ang maturity niya, not only on the game but also on his attitude, and that’s number one. Ang laki ng ipinagbago ni Enoch when it comes to attitude,” said Malabanan.
It was a close game for both teams almost the entire contest but the Pirates got crucial four free throws from Navarro in the final 13.2 seconds to preserve their fourth consecutive victory.
Jielo Razon tallied double-double 18 points and 10 rebounds, Kim Aurin added 16 markers, while JC Abis also has double-double 15 rebounds and 11 points as the Altas fell to 2-3.
Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde Blazers moved to a share of top spot with the Pirates following an 84-72 victory over Arellano University Chiefs and to also bounce back from their first defeat this season.
After a 20-all score in the first quarter, the Blazers asserted its will in the second quarter by uncorking 32 points to establish a 52-35 halftime lead and went on cruise control in the second half.
Will Gozum led the way with double-double 15 points and 12 rebounds, Mark Sangco contributed 11 points, eight boards, and three assists, as JC Cullar had 10 points, seven assists, and two rebounds for the Blazers.
BOX SCORE:
LYCEUM 82 — Valdez 13, Guadaña 12, Umali 10, Peñafiel 9, Navarro 9, Cunanan 9, Barba 7, Montaño 5, Bravo 4, Larupay 2, Vinoya 2, Villegas 0.
PERPETUAL 77 — Razon 18, Aurin 16, Abis 11, Omega 8, Nitura 8, Martel 6, Egan 5, Flores 2, Boral 2, Barcuma 1, Cuevas 0, Roque 0, Orgo 0, Nunez 0.
Quarterscores: 13-20, 35-44, 63-56, 82-77./PN
