The Lyceum Junior Pirates joined their senior counterparts in moving into contention for a Final Four semifinals slot.
Gyle Montano turned in a career-high 28 points in leading the Junior Pirates to a 99-94 win over the defending champion Malayan Red Robins, last Tuesday in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying Sports Center in San Juan.
Montano struck twice in the last two minutes with crucial baskets that allowed the Junior Pirates to stay out of range, and post their eighth win in 14 games.
This allowed the Junior Pirates to join the Arellano Braves in second spot, and move into contention for the no. 2 seeding in the Final Four semifinals.
When the Red Robins threatened, 88-89, Montano was there with a basket which touched off a 6-0 run that allowed Lyceum to move away, 95-88.
Montano was there again with a timely basket after the Red Robins threatened anew, 92-95.
“We're taking things one game at a time. Dikit-dikit kasi standings. Kailangang bantayan din namina ng ibang teams,” said Junior Pirates coach JC Docto.
So far, the San Beda Red Cubs have earned the no. seeding with their 14-1 win-loss record, and after they beat the Letran Squires, 108-80.
The Pirates are in contention for the senior division's no. 2 seed with their 11-3 card after they won over the Letran Knights, 97-80, last Tuesday.
The Knights (9-6), will seek to stay in the hunt for the no. 3 seed in the Final Four when they clash with the Arellano Chiefs at 2 p.m. today.
The San Sebastian Stags, who took a 75-79 loss to the College of St. Benilde Blazers, fights the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers at 4 p.m.
Jonnel Policarpio led the Red Robins with a 33-point, 12-rebound double-double.