Pirates defuse Bombers in OT

MANILA, Philippines — Vince Cunanan and Enoch Valdez took charge in overtime as Lyceum of the Philippines got back at first-round tormentor Jose Rizal U, 99-96, yesterday in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Cunanan and Valdez sparked the run when they combined for 11 points that erased a six-point deficit in OT and helped the Pirates halt a three-game skein. With their seventh win, the Pirates moved up to No. 3 and in strong Final Four contention.

“The boys just refused to give up,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan.

LPU surely didn’t, as it overhauled a nine-point JRU lead with less than five minutes to go in regulation.

In the other duel, Emilio Aguinaldo College rallied from double-digit deficits as it outlasted San Sebastian to regain its place inside the magic four with a 6-4 mark. The Stags stumbled to 3-7.