Lyceum of the Philippines University continued their stellar start to NCAA Season 99 as it fended off a game challenge from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 76-73, Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Team captain Enoch Valdez scored 13 points to go along with six rebounds, one assist, and one steal to tow the Pirates to their third win in as many games this season.
Meanwhile, Mclaude Guadaña and Patrick Montano also chipped in nine markers each.
Heading into the second half only with a slender six-point lead, 40-34, the Pirates uncorked a 14-2 scoring barrage at the beginning of the third frame to pull away, 54-36.
However, the Altas would claw their way back in the final canto and even close the gap to one point courtesy of a triple from Carlo Ferreras with 22 ticks to go in the game, 74-73.
Clutch free-throws from Vincent Cunanan made all the difference to stave off Perpetual and keep Lyceum unblemished this season, 76-73.
For Perpetual, it was Jielo Razon who paced the team today with an overall performance of 14 points while also grabbing seven boards, two assists, and three steals. Veteran Mark Omega followed suit with a double-double 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Malabanan and his troops stake their undefeated record when they go to battle against the Arellano University Chiefs on Friday, October 6, while the Altas are still in search for their first win as they play the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Saturday, October 7.
Scores:
LPU 76 - Valdez 13, Guadaña 9, Montano 9, Barba 8, Bravo 7, Cunanan 7, Umali 7, Omandac 4, Peñafiel 4, Villegas 4, Aviles 2, Versoza 2, Saure 0.
Arellano 73 - Omega 14, Razon 14, Pagaran 11, Roque 10, Abis 8, Ferreras 8, Barcuma 4, Boral 4, Cuevas 0, Gelsano 0, Nitura 0.
Quarterscores: 19-20, 40-34, 62-50, 76-73.
—Juris Salvanera/JKC, GMA Integrated News
