Lyceum stuns CSB to secure last semis ticket
2024-Nov-16 13:00
NCAA UPDATE. Lyceum of the Philippines University's John Barba (No. 3) goes for a layup against College of Saint Benilde's Allen Liwag in the National Collegiate Athletics Association Season 100 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Friday (Nov. 15, 2024). The Pirates won, 82-81. (PNA/NCAA)
MANILA – Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates nipped College of Saint Benilde, 82-81, Friday to complete the Final Four cast in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament.
John Barba came up with 27 points, including five triples, in leading the Pirates to their 10th win against eight losses at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
"We had an extended practice last night, we finished almost 10 p.m.," said Barba, who also had three steals.
John Bravo chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds and two steals while Renz Villanueva, Mclaude Guadana and Jonathan Daileg delivered 11 points each for the Pirates, who posted their biggest lead at 39-23 before the Blazers closed the gap, 42-46, at halftime.
Allen Liwag produced 20 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and one steal for the Blazers, who slid to second place at 14-4, behind Mapua University (14-3).
Jhomel Ancheta fired four triples to finish with 18 points on top of six rebounds and had seven assists, while Justine Sanchez added 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
If Mapua prevails over Arellano University Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome, it will secure the No. 1 seeding and the twice-to-beat incentive when it faces LPU in the Final Four.
CSB will meet No. 3 San Beda University, the defending champion, in the other semis duel.
"He's been practicing that," said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan, when asked to comment on Barba's shooting.
Barba was perfect from the field (9-of-9) and missed only two of six free throws.
"The game plan is, if we can limit Liwag, we have a big chance to win," said Malabanan. (PNA)