Two big plays from Enoch Valdez in the last period lifted the Lyceum Philippines University Pirates to an 83-80 victory over the San Sebastian Stags on Friday at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena.
This earned the Pirates the spot to the Final Four semifinals of the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Valdez, who banged in 18 points, took charge in the last five minutes after the Pirates overturned a 73-74 deficit as they went on to post their 12th win in 16 outings.
Patrick Montano struck with 22 points for the Pirates, who joined the Mapua Cardinals in assuring themselves of a second Final Four berth.
Coach Gilbert Malabanan said it is still not over yet for the Pirates, who still have the Arellano Chiefs and the San Beda Red Lions as their last two opponents in the second round.
“Hindi pa rin kami puwedeng magpakampante. We have two more games left. I think we really have to do a good job in the last two games,” said Malabanan, after the Pirates handed the Stags their 11th setback in 16 matches.
A putback from Vincent Cunanan and a score from the 6’2” Valdez in the remaining 4:27 pushed the Pirates ahead, 77-74.
Valdez struck again in the last 3:42 after Stags’ cager Romel Calahat turned the ball over, with his layup padding the Pirates’ edge, 81-76.
The Pirates, who now have twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four with the Cardinals, also drew 13 points from Shaun Umali.
The Stags, with Alex Desoyo tallying 22 points, could have forced an overtime, but they could only score one of six attempts in the final 1:26.
The scores:
First Game
LPU 83- Montano 22, Valdez 18, Umali 13, Guadana 10, Barba 9, Omandac 5, Cunanan 2, Villegas 2, Penafiel 2, Bravo 0
SSC-R 80- Desyo 22, Are 11, Felebrico 9, Calahat 9, Sumoda 7, Escobido 7, Velasco 4, Una 3, Ra. Gabat 3, Aguilar 3, Re. Gabat 2, De Leon 0, Castor 0, Singson 0
Quarterscores: 17-19; 34-42; 64-63; 83-80