LYCEUM walked the tightrope and showed heart the last time out.
Pirates coach Gilbert Malabanan hopes his wards could do the same against an equally determined Arellano University side toay.
“It’s a good thing naka-experience kami ng ganito (overtime game),” Malabanan said after Lyceum pulled off a nail-biting 82-79 overtime escape over San Sebastian College two days ago.
“Give the players credit for giving their heart,” he added.
The Pirates try to boost their hold on the solo second when they take on the Chiefs as the 98th NCAA basketball tournament resumes at The Arena in San Juan.
The lone duel is set at 3 p.m., with Lyceum raring to climb to 7-2 behind pacesetting College of St. Benilde, which is sporting a 7-1 mark.
The Golden Stags were supposed to face Jose Rizal University in the other match at noon, but it was moved to Sunday — also a one-game tiff — by the league for undisclosed reasons.
The Pirates will rely on Mclaude Guadaña, John Barba, JM Bravo, Enoch Valdez, and veteran playmaker Renzo Navarro.
Malabanan is counting on Bravo, who played the hero’s role against San Sebastian, to deliver the goods anew.
“Ang sabi ko nga sa kanya, ‘welcome back’ kasi ang tagal niyang nawala,” Malabanan said, referring to his prized sophomore. “Ang tagal niyang nawala, hindi ko alam kung saan napunta pero buti na lang bumalik na siya.”
Arellano is aching to bounce back from a 61-96 shellacking at the hands of San Beda University last Friday.
Shane Menina, Axel Doromal, and Fil-Aussie big man Cade Flores will be counted upon by the Chiefs to hike their 4-4 slate.
