Pirates chalk up fifth win on searing fightback

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines University turned on the defensive switch in its return from the halftime break as it rallied from 24 points down to turn back a gritty Arellano U side, 89-77, in overtime yesterday and solidify its grip of the lead in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

From a lethargic first half, the Pirates threw the defensive blanket on the Chiefs in the second when the former outscored the latter, 46-27, and later in OT when LPU held AU to just two points in salvaging a fifth straight win.

“Dun kami nag-rely sa defense, dun sumusunod offense namin,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan.

LPU captain Enoch Valdez and Mclaude Guadana each delivered a season-best performance with 26 and 20 points, respectively, serving as the lead forces in the sweet victory.

In extra time, John Bravo presided over a devastating run by pouring in eight of his 14 points including two straight booming treys.

“May tiwala naman ako sa bawat isa, lahat kami engaged at in one page,” said Valdez, who played 33 minutes in regulation and could have returned in OT but opted not to after seeing his teammates on the floor were playing well.

It was a painful setback for the Chiefs, who were on the brink of snaring their first win after leading by as many as 24 points.

It wasn’t meant to be though and they instead dropped to 0-4.

“It boiled down to character, we didn’t give up,” said Malabanan.

In the other game, San Beda outlasted bitter rival Letran, 68-63, to move up to a three-way logjam at second with Jose Rizal U and Mapua on identical 3-1 records.

The Knights slipped to a humbling 0-4 card.

Jacob Cortez and Yulkien Andrada came through big for the Lions as they unloaded 14 points each in posting their first back-to-back wins of the season.

“We needed this win and of course winning against your rival is sweeter, “ said San Beda mentor Yuri Escueta.