John Barba starred anew as Lyceum of the Philippines University outlasted Arellano University in overtime, 90-86, in NCAA Season 100 on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Just days after registering a career-high 28 points, Barba posted 25 points, eight rebounds, and three assists as the Pirates improved to 2-2.
The Pirates had a slim 82-81 lead at the 3:23 mark of the extra period but Barba drilled a triple to widen the gap against the Chiefs. The LPU guard then hit another basket at the 1:38 mark to give the Intramuros-based squad an 86-82 lead.
Basti Valencia cut the deficit for the Chiefs, but Mclaude Guadaña's free throws gave the Pirates enough breathing room before King Vinoya made a late-game basket. Guadaña then sealed the deal for the Pirates.
After trailing 63-57 at the end of the first half, the Pirates pounded in the fourth period with 22 points against the Chiefs' 16 to push the game into overtime, 79-79.
"One thing for sure is trusting my players with all my heart. Sila naman ang naglalaro sila sa loob. It's a matter pag binigyan mo sila ng opportunity, I know they will give me a positive [outcome]," LPU head coach Gilbert Malabanan said.
The LPU tactician also told his wards not to waste the second opportunity given to them as the game reached overtime.
"Isa lang naman sinabi ko sa kanila, sabi ko this game is for us. Sa atin ito, huwag na nating sayangin ito. Binigyan tayo ng chance na mag-overtime, humabol tayo ng fourth quarter and don't waste that opportunity, we can grab that opportunity na makuha namin ang second win namin."
Barba added that the win was important as the standings get tight early in the season.
"Itong panalo na 'to kailangan namin para umangat ulit. Ginagawa ko lang ang trabaho ko every game and 'yun ang resulta, nakuha namin ang trabaho," Barba said. "More trabaho pa."
Gyle Montaño had 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, while Guadaña had 12 points, four rebounds, and a steal as the Pirates won back-to-back.
Vinoya had 22 points, four rebounds, a steal, and a block, while Valencia chipped in 18 points, alongside six boards, five assists, and three steals. T-Mac Ongotan posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, along with two assists, a steal, and a block as the Chiefs remained winless in four games.
The Pirates will take on Mapua University next on Tuesday, while Arellano will be back in action on Sunday against San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
