Lyceum of the Philippines University survived De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's comeback attempt, 82-81, to complete the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball Final Four cast on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the win, the Pirates improved to 10-8 to clinch the last Final Four spot and joined Benilde, Mapua University, and San Beda University in the semis cast.
The Pirates led as much as 16, 39-23, in the second period before the Blazers mounted a rally to close the first half trailing 46-42.
Benilde was trailing 77-71 with less than three minutes left in the fourth period before the Blazers inched closer 80-79, thanks to baskets from Jhomel Ancheta and Gab Cometa. Renz Villegas then completed a layup to give the Pirates a three-point lead.
With six ticks remaining, Allen Liwag made a basket off a Tony Ynot assist. Michael Verzosa was called for a foul which brought Liwag to the line but he missed the crucial free throw.
Gab Cometa then made a late attempt for the Blazers which was stopped by the Pirates before Tony Ynot made an inbound pass to Allen Liwag for one last attempt, but the shot did not connect.
John Barba waxed hot and went 9-of-9 from the field to lead the Intramuros-based squad with a 27-point explosion. JM Bravo, meanwhile, had 12 points.
Allen Liwag and Justine Sanchez posted double-doubles with the former having 20 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and a steal, while the latter had 11 points, 10 boards, and three assists as Benilde slipped to 14-4 to end the elimination round.
Scores:
LPU 82 – Barba 27, Bravo 12, Villegas 11, Guadaña 11, Daileg 11, Versoza 4, Aviles 4, Montaño 2, Cunanan 0, Panelo 0.
Benilde 81 – Liwag 20, Ancheta 18, Sanchez 11, Cometa 9, Ynot 7, Sangco 6, Morales 4, Torres 3, Jarque 2, Eusebio 1, Oli 0, Ondoa 0, Cajucom 0.
Quarters: 26-17, 46-42, 65-62, 82-81.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
