LYCEUM of the Philippines University-Cavite’s hopes of entering the Next Generation Basketball League quarterfinals received a boost after it handed University of Santo Tomas its first defeat in the NGBL’s inaugural season.

The Junior Pirates leaned on Cleafford Dag-um in their come-from-behind 85-83 victory on Sunday at the Tanduay Gym in Manila, with the 5-foot-11 ace top-scoring for LPU en route to being hailed as the World Balance Player of the Game.

Dag-um powered the Al Vergara-coached squad with 23 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the exciting game of the day in the NGBL that is presented by URATEX, Jollibee, Strong Group Athletics, and in partnership with JETOUR, World Balance, and Molten as official game ball.

Vergara was ecstatic and proud of how Dag-um stepped up, especially in the endgame.
“Nag thank you ako sa mga nag step-up, especially kay Dag-um. Galing pa yan sa sakit eh, pero siya talaga yung kailangan namin nung nawala si Lamarcus Pelayo na na-foul out,” he said, citing Pelayo who put up 16 markers before leaving the game with five fouls.

“Di na nag-stop yung mga bata eh. Ilang games na yun yung naging problema namin. Humahabol kami down 15, 16, pero bumibitaw kami. Pero ngayon, hindi na kami bumitaw,” added Vergara of how they erased their 16-point deficit to get their third win in six games in the league that is also supported by Team Rebel Sports Pilipinas as official league outfitter, RICA UPVC Aluminum Glass and Trading Corp., Verleo Catering as official caterer, and Tanduay Athletics.

It was Dag-um who assisted on the eventual game-winner for LPU, as he dished out a crucial pass to Clint Conde who hit a triple at the 1:31 mark of their game in the league that is also supported by MET Food Corporation, official hydration partners Gatorade & Summit Natural Drinking Water, Converge as official internet provider, and Crocs.

Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA continued its onslaught and remained perfect in seven games after routing Ateneo de Manila University with the league’s second tournament-high output 112-45.