Lyceum maintains immaculate record, keeping NCAA champion Letran winless

LPU Pirates Stay Unbeaten in NCAA Season 99 Men’s Basketball Tournament

MANILA, Philippines – The Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates continued their undefeated streak in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament with a hard-fought victory against the San Beda Red Lions. The Pirates emerged triumphant with a score of 67-62 in a thrilling match held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Sunday, October 8.

At a critical moment, with LPU holding on to a slim two-point lead of 64-62 and less than 30 seconds remaining in the game, PBA-bound swingman Enoch Valdez delivered an impressive interception of Nygel Gonzales’ pass. Valdez then sealed the victory for his team with a spectacular one-handed breakaway slam, pushing their lead to a two-possession advantage.

Despite shooting just 4-of-16 from the field, Valdez was one of four LPU players who scored in double digits, contributing 10 points to the team’s success. Mac Guadana led the balanced scoring effort for the Pirates with 12 points, while Renz Villegas and John Barba added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

On the opposing side, Jacob Cortez was the standout performer for San Beda, recording a game-high 23 points on 6-of-12 shooting.

With this victory, the LPU Pirates extended their undefeated record to 6-0, maintaining their position as the league leaders. Meanwhile, the San Beda Red Lions fell to 3-2.

In another game, the Arellano Chiefs secured their first win of the tournament, defeating the defending champions Letran Knights with a score of 87-80. Four Arellano players reached double-digit scores, with Felix Villarente leading the team with 15 points. Troy Valencia contributed 14 points, while Jade Talampas and Lars Sunga added 11 and 10 points, respectively. For the Letran Knights, Kobe Monje led the way with a double-double performance, recording 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Similar to LPU and Arellano, the Mapua Cardinals showcased a balanced offensive attack to claim a 73-69 victory against the EAC Generals in the opening game of the day. Jopet Soriano led the team with 15 points, supported by Paolo Hernandez and Ferdie Asuncion who scored 11 points each. Clint Escamis and JC Recto contributed 10 points apiece. The Generals’ Nat Cosejo was their top scorer with 23 points.

The Cardinals and the JRU Heavy Bombers now share the second spot in the standings with a 4-1 record, while the EAC Generals have a 2-2 record.

The Scores

First Game

Mapua 73 – Soriano 15, Hernandez 11, Asuncion 11, Escamis 10, Recto 10, Bonifacio 6, Rosillo 4, Cuenco 4, Fornis 2, Bancale 0, Igliane 0.

EAC 69 – Cosejo 23, Gurtiza 10, Maguliano 10, Robin 7, Tolentino 7, Angeles 6, Ochavo 4, Quinal 2, Luciano 0, Cosa 0, Umpad 0, Doria 0, Balowa 0, Bacud 0, Dominguez 0.

Quarters: 15-20, 35-40, 55-58, 73-69.

Second Game

Arellano 87 – Villarente 15, Valencia 14, Talampas 11, Sunga 10, Abastillas 9, Ongotan 5, Yanes 5, Dayrit 5, Capulong 5, Geronimo 4, Mallari 4, Dela Cruz 0.

Letran 80 – Monje 18, Reyson 16, Cuajao 15, Santos 9, Ariar 7, Javillonar 5, Nunag 4, Garupil 4, Fajardo 2, Guarino 0.

Quarters: 25-27, 47-50, 64-65, 87-80.

Third game

LPU 67 – Guadana 12, Villegas 11, Barba 10, Valdez 10, Umali 9, Penafiel 5, Bravo 3, Montano 3, Omandac 2, Versoza 2, Cunanan 0, Moralejo 0, Aviles 0.

San Beda 62 – Cortez 23, Puno 8, Cuntapay 8, Andrada 7, Jopia 5, Payosing 4, Alfaro 3, Gonzales 2, Visser 2, Gallego 0, Tagle 0.

Quarters: 16-18, 38-37, 54-46, 67-62.

– Rappler.com