JM Bravo shone as Lyceum of the Philippines University completed a come-from-behind win against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 85-81, on Sunday in the opening day of NCAA Season 99 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Bravo posted 18 points and eight rebounds for as the Pirates took down the Season 99 runners-up.
SEE ALSO | NCAA Season 99 Box Scores: LPU Pirates vs Benilde Blazers, September 24, 2023
The Blazers had the lead at the end of the first half, 45-37, before the Pirates relied on a strong performance in the third period as they outscored Benilde, 25-12, and take the lead, 45-37.
LPU led by as much as ten points, 72-62 at the 6:58 mark of the final frame before Benilde inched closer 83-81, thanks to Robi Nayve's personal 5-0 run. However, a foul by Migs Oczon on Shawn Umali put the latter on the line and sank his free throws which sealed the win for the Intramuros-based crew.
Aside from Bravo, Valdez had 16 points, while Umali listed 14 markers. Barba, on the other hand, had 11 points.
The win spoiled Miggy Corteza's game-high 21-points for Benilde. Nayve, Oczon, and Prince Carlos had 13 points apiece.
Benilde missed the services of reigning Most Valuable Player Will Gozum who is serving his suspension from a disqualifying foul he incurred from Game 3 of the Season 98 finals against Letran.
LPU will face Colegio de San Juan de Letran next on Wednesday, while Benilde will go against Jose Rizal University on Friday.
Watch the airing of the game on Monday afternoon on GTV and livestream on NCAA Philippines and GMA Sports PH platforms.
The scores:
LPU 85 - Bravo 18, Valdez 16, Umali 14, Barba 11, Barba 6, Cunanan 6, Villegas 5, Guadana 5, Montano 2, Omandac 2, Versoza 6, Aviles 0.
Benilde 81 - Corteza 21, Nayve 13, Oczon 13, Carlos 13, Flores 9, Sangco 4, Jarque 4, Marcos 2, Turco 2, Marasigan 0, Davis 0, Jalalon 0, Mara 0, Cajucom 0.
Quarters: 12-20, 37-45, 62-57, 85-81.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
