Lyceum shocks Mapua

THE LYCEUM Pirates proved to be the steadier team down the stretch as they upset the Mapua Cardinals, 78-74, for their second win in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Cardinals are fresh off their second win in a row after losing their first assignment. In addition to that, Mapua was also on a high after it received news that four of their rookies, including the highly-touted Gab Banal, would be able to play this season.

However, the Pirates rained on their parade with a combination of clutch shots and solid defense to pull off the win and improve their record to 2-3 (win-loss). Mapua fell to an even 2-2.

Mapua was leading, 71-67, when Lyceum made six straight points, a jumper by Chris Cayabyab, two free-throws from Shane Ko and a basket from Rich Guevarra for a 73-71 lead with 1:45 left in the game.

The Cardinals had several chances to retake the lead but the Pirates were up to the challenge with Daniel Garcia blocking Mapua’s Josan Nimes on his attempt with under a minute remaining. Cayabyab hit two more freebies for a 77-74 lead. Lyceum preserved the win as Guevarra deflected Kenneth Ighalo’s trey attempt./Correspondent Jonas Panerio