Omandac lifts Pirates with crucial treys

MANILA, Philippines — Second-string big man Jearlan Omandac’s calling card has always been his knockout three-pointers.

It was in full, majestic display yesterday as Omandac swished a couple of three-point daggers that lifted Lyceum of the Philippines to an 84-81 victory over St. Benilde yesterday and back into joint first place with Mapua in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Firing blanks in four attempts in the first three quarters, the 6-5 sophomore bruiser with sweet shooting hands from Tagum, Davao del Norte persisted and knocked in those two titanic treys over a lagging Will Gozum in the final two minutes.

It sealed the Pirates their fifth win in row and 11th against three losses, and more importantly, sent LPU back on top with Mapua.

“Tiwala ako papasok kahit puro mintis ‘nung una,” said Omandac, a product of LPU’s high school program.

Omandac’s recent heroics weren’t a flash in the pan.

In fact, he had a 24-point masterpiece in an 81-78 squeaker over Emilio Aguinaldo College last Oct. 28 in a game where he erupted for five lava-like triples.

In the other game, University of Perpetual Help turned back San Beda, 61-57, to improve to 7-7 and remain in Final 4 contention.

The Lions slipped to 8-5.