LYCEUM proved yesterday that qualms are not unfounded–there are chinks in reigning three-time champion Letran’s armor.
Showing they wanted it more the Pirates essayed a thrilling 70-69 decision over the Knights for their second straight win and the early solo lead in the 99th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
John Barba scored two clutch baskets for Lyceum–a short stab with 53.6 seconds to go that made it a 68-69 game and a breakaway layup that pegged the final count, only 15.9 ticks left.
Letran still had few chances to dodge the upset axe but simply could not connect when it mattered most.
Earlier, Emilio Aguinaldo College turned back Perpetual Help 75-67 for its first triumph and gifted new strategist Jerson Cabiltes a rousing win.
Burly big man Shawn Umali, who played for Letran in high school, uncorked 15 points and grabbed three rebounds for the Pirates, while Enoch Valdez added 10 markers, eight boards, and three assists.
Barba finished with nine points as Lyceum sustained its early brilliance, counting an equally impressive 83-79 upset of last season’s bridesmaid College of St. Benilde four nights back.
The Knights slumped to 0-2, counting a sorry 79-85 overtime loss to Jose Rizal University last Sunday.
While the triumph was certainly a big boost for his troops, Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan maintained it’s too early to celebrate.
“We’re happy were on top but we won’t stop playing. Hindi pa naman ito iyong goal namin, malayo pa kami sa goal namin,” Malabanan said. “I don’t want our players to relax because of this win.
