Perpetual Help nips Lyceum as NCAA returns with OT thriller

JP Boral stepped up for Perpetual Help in a huge win against Lyceum. NCAA

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA––Perpetual Help leaned on staying composed in overtime to defeat shorthanded Lyceum, 89-83, as the NCAA resumed action after the ravage of severe tropical storm "Kristine" on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Dodging a bullet at the end of regulation as Jonathan Daileg's clutch corner basket was only ruled as a long two, the Altas showed discipline in the extra five minutes as crucial bad outlet passes within the last two minutes kept the Pirates from finishing the job even as Mark Gojo Cruz made two clutch free throws and Chris Pagaran scored on a follow-up to help the boys from Las Pinas ice the game.

JP Boral led Perpetual Help, which moved up to 6-8, with 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Pagaran added 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks.

John Abis chipped in 12 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

Renz Villegas made 23 points on 6-of-9 shooting from long range, one rebound, four assists, and two steals for Lyceum, which failed to tie Letran for fourth place and instead fell to 6-7.

Despite getting extra days of rest after their game against the College of St. Benilde Blazers was postponed due to Kristine, the Pirates opted not to field JM Bravo, who suffered a concussion last week against Arellano, and Greg Cunanan.

The scores:

PERPETUAL HELP 89 – Boral 18, Pagaran 16, Nuñez 15, Abis 12, Gojo Cruz 9, Manuel 7, Pizarro 6, Montemayor 4, Gelsano 2

LYCEUM 83 – Villegas 23, Barba 17, Daileg 10, Guadaña 9, Moralejo 9, Aviles 5, Peñafiel 4, Montaño 3, Versoza 3, Panelo 0, Gordon 0, Pallingayan 0

Quarterscores: 26-25, 46-45, 64-59, 77-77, 89-83

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