LYCEUM leaned on a big run midway through the fourth quarter to create separation from University of Perpetual Help enroute to a 98-89 win, effectively ending a four-game losing streak in the NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament, Tuesday at the Filoil Center in San Juan.
With the game tied at 75, the Pirates went on a 9-0 run capped by five straight points from veteran guard McLaude Guadana as they took an 84-75 lead with 3:37 remaining in the game.
The Altas tried to salvage several comebacks, coming to within four several times but Matthew Rubico hit a booming three with 2:37 remaining to put the game out of reach.
Rubico hit 21 points, making five of his six three-pointers while adding seven rebounds and four assists to his name as the Pirates improved to 2-4.
"Nung fourth quarter, talagang dikitan parin ng laban e. May moments na nagkakamali kami pero buti nakakabangon kami," Rubico said.
"Dun naman sa last shot ko, sinabi na rin ni coach (Jamike Jarin) yun e. Pag nag-switch, i-balik sakin. Sinugal ko nalang din, kung mag-shoot or mag-mintis, mapagalitan man ako o hindi, buong puso ko tinira yun," he added.
It was a back-and-forth affair between two teams looking to end their respective struggles with a total of 23 lead changes all through out the game. Up until that mid-quarter rally late by Lyceum, it looked like it was going to go down the wire.
But that run, coupled with some big baskets from Jonathan Daileg and Renz Villegas would be enough for the Pirates to hold on despite a feisty stand by the Altas who even hit consecutive three-pointers courtesy of Mark Gojo Cruz and LA Casinillo in a seven second span to cut a 12-point Lyceum lead to just six with 12 seconds remaining.
It was too little and far too late for the Altas, though, as they dropped to 2-4 for the tournament with the loss.
Villegas added 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Daileg chipped in 18 points, seven boards and two steals. Guadana chipped in 14 while Roger Ondoa added 11.
As a team, the Pirates made 15 three-pointers on a healthy 45.5 percent clip.
Rey Maglupay led the Altas with 19 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting while Gelo Gelso and Casinilio chipped in 18 and 17 respectively in the loss.
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