An up-and-down campaign marred with multiple injuries and several setbacks now sees host school Lyceum of the Philippines University marching to the NCAA Season 100 Final Four round thanks to the leadership of veteran sharpshooter John Barba.
Barba anchored the Pirates' strong conclusion to their elimination round run, winning their last four games to catch the semifinals bus alongside top-seeded Mapua University, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and San Beda University.
Two of those four victories were clutch wins over fellow contender Emilio Aguinaldo College and then top spot-seeking Benilde — and Barba was instrumental in both occasions.
The fourth-year wingman was flawless in their narrow 82-81 win against the Blazers, shooting 9-of-9 from the field on the way to finishing with 27 points together with three steals, one rebound, one assist, and one block last Friday to formalize their Final Four entry.
Before that, he also collected an all-around outing of nine markers, nine boards, three dimes, and one steal to help eke out a key 74-65 triumph over the Generals.
With his consistent showings for the Pirates, LPU has clinched its third straight Final Four appearance.
"Sobrang saya ko, 'di ko maipaliwanag 'yung saya ko ngayon, pero 'yung saya namin today lang kasi job is not done eh," Barba said after their win against the Blazers.
"Papasok pa lang kami ng Final Four so kailangan naman paghandaan lalo 'yung magiging kalaban namin and good thing nakuha namin ang panalo and nagtulong-tulong kami lahat."
Barba edged out EAC's King Gurtiza, Mapua's Chris Hubilla, and Perpetual's JP Boral in the weekly citation adjudged by journalists from print and online media.
Barba, who averaged 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 0.5 blocks in the twin victories, also became the first player from LPU to win the weekly honors.
"Parang last game off ako, kung kailan pinaka-crucial na game," remarked the fourth-year guard.
"Sinabi ko sa sarili ko kailangan ko bumawi. Ang magandang nangyari is nakabawi ako and maganda 'yung nilaro ko and nakuha namin ang panalo," he continued.
The fourth-seeded Pirates will face the twice-to-beat Cardinals on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News
