The Lyceum of the Philippines University escaped Jose Rizal University's late rally, 82-80, in NCAA Season 100 on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the win, the Pirates improved to 8-8 and boosted its chances for a Final Four spot, while also officially eliminating the Heavy Bombers from Final Four contention as they slipped to 4-12.
The Intramuros-based squad led by 11, 49-38, after a Gyle Montaño layup early in the third period, but the Heavy Bombers pounded as they outscored LPU, 23-17, in the said frame which put them within three, 64-61, by the end of the period.
In the fourth period, LPU led 81-76 with 1:19 remaining after a Renz Villegas jumper, but a split from Shawn Argente, a Karl de Jesus layup, and a Joshua Guiab freebie gave the Heavy Bombers a fighting chance late in the game.
However, a Guiab foul on Mclaude Guadaña brought the latter to the line where he sank the first free throw. Guadaña missed the second free throw which gave JRU another chance but Argente's triple did not connect.
"Sumali tayo sa liga na 'to, i-expect natin ang unexpected. Hindi naman tayo puwede magkumpiyansa porke wala na sila, all the teams are fighting for the win, 'di naman for the position, for the win siyempre kasi sayang naman ang preparations ng team. Sabi ko sa players ko, we have to play hard. Hindi tayo puwedeng kumpiyansa dito kasi pupukpok talaga ang JRU which is nangyari nga," LPU head coach Gilbert Malabanan said about the escape.
John Barba had 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Renz Villegas had 18 points, 14 of which came from the first half. Gyle Montaño also chipped in 18 points, while Simon Peñafiel added 10 points.
The LPU win spoiled Joshua Guiab's career-high outing of 27 points, along with nine rebounds, four assists, and a steal. De Jesus added 14 points, while Pangilinan made 10 points for JRU.
LPU's victory also eliminated San Sebastian College-Recoletos (4-11) from semis contention.
Scores:
LPU 82 – Barba 20, Villegas 18, Montaño 18, Peñafiel 10, Cunanan 4, Aviles 4, Versoza 4, Guadaña 3, Daileg 1, Moralejo 0, Panelo 0.
JRU 80 – Guiab 27, De Jesus 14, Pangilinan 10, Barrera 9, Raymundo 8, Sarmiento 4, Argente 3, Ferrer 3, Bernardo 2, Mosqueda 0, De Leon 0, Lozano 0, Panapanaan 0, Samontanes 0.
Quarters: 23-21, 47-38, 64-61, 82-80.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
