Lyceum of the Philippines University has moved on from a dismal showing in the previous season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball competition.
In fact, the Pirates have already surpassed its two-win record last tournament with an impressive 5-1 start in Season 98.
Rising star Mac Guadaña has been the game changer for LPU’s giant-slaying tear which include wins over last season’s Final Four teams in defending champion Letran, Mapua, San Beda, and Perpetual.
He averaged 12 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals.
The 21-year-old guard upped the ante in the Pirates’ last two games, posting norms of 16 points, two rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in back-to-back triumphs over the Altas and the Knights.
Guadaña fired a season-best 20 points to lead LPU to a huge upset of Letran.
His heroics was enough to get the nod as the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
The sophomore bested teammate Enoch Valdez, Arellano’s Axel Doromal, Benilde’s JC Cullar, San Beda’s James Kwekuteye, and Perpetual’s Jielo Razon for the weekly recognition backed by minor sponsors MNL Kingpin, Tinapayan Festival, and Jockey.
For his part, the former Batang Gilas standout said he and his teammates are just getting started.
“I just hate losing kaya pinagtatrabahuhan ko talaga kung ano ‘yung matutulong ko sa team, and ayun nagbubunga naman,” said Guadaña.
“Mas mame-maintain ko ‘yung ganung performance by continuing kung ano ‘yung mga ine-extra work ko. Then siyempre, mas dadagdagan ko pa.”
