Omar Larupay knocked down a jumper in the last 5.3 seconds to lift Lyceum of the Philippines University to an 81-80 win over San Beda University in Season 85 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Larupay used his height advantage over Tony Ynot to sink the go-ahead jumper that sealed their 10th win in 15 matches.
Gab Cometa and Justine Sanchez tried to rally the Lions to victory, but their shots at endgame fell short, allowing the Pirates to complete the thrilling win.
Pirates coach Gilbert Malabanan said they were determined to clinch the victory.
“I just told the players we will win this game. We need to be positive and that was the outcome we got,” said Malabanan, who drew 15 points from Larupay.
Enzo Navarro also did damage dropping 10 points and seven assists while JM Bravo chipped in 10 markers.
Meanwhile, Mapua University isn’t giving up on its Final Four dream after a convincing 67-47 win over Arellano University in the first game.
The Cardinals dominated the entire game as they picked up their sixth win in 15 games.
Rence Nocum, who flirted with a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds, gave Mapua its biggest lead with 28 points, 56-28, when he scored on a layup with eight minutes and 16 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara said he had to challenge his bench to keep up with the team’s energy.
“You can see it in the energy of the starters. I told the second and third units they have to show the same energy as well,” said Alcantara, whose squad outpaced the Chiefs in bench scoring, 44-23.
“Everyone has to be ready and be aggressive.”
Joaqui Garcia led the Cardinals with 13 points.
