Lyceum extinguishes Arellano's late lead, dominates OT to go 5-0

Enoch Valdez's herculean effort was not wasted as Lyceum fought back from a late 15-point deficit to go 5-0. NCAA
By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI--Lyceum pulled off probably the biggest comeback so far in the NCAA men's basketball tournament after storming back from a late double-digit deficit and even clobbering Arellano by 12 points, 89-77, on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Down by as much as 24, the Pirates found themselves trailing, 70-55, with 3:42 left in regulation.

However, they responded with a 20-5 run capped by a McLaude Guadana three with 14.5 seconds left that eventually forced overtime.

Lorenz Capulong had a chance to win it for the Chiefs in regulation, but his fallaway three only hit the front rim as time ran out.

In the extra five minutes, Lyceum pulled away after outscoring Arellano, 14-2.

Enoch Valdez led the Pirates, now at 5-0 in the team standings, with 26 points, 14 rebounds, four steals, and one block, while Guadana added 20 points, five rebounds, and one steal.

Capulong had 13 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists for the Chiefs, who dropped to 0-4.

The scores:

LPU 89-Valdez 26, Guadana 20, Bravo 14, Cunanan 10, Omandac 8, Penafiel 5, Villegas 3, Umali 2, Montano 1, Barba 0, Versoza 0, Aviles 0

AU 77-Capulong 13, Mallari 11, Dayrit 10, Sunga 9, Talampas 8, Ongotan 7, Valencia 7, Yanes 6, Villarente 4, Geronimo 2, Abastillas 0, Antonio 0

Quarterscores: 15-21; 29-48; 49-57; 75-all (OT); 89-77

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