Pirates hang on vs Lions to stay unbeaten

MANILA, Philippines -- Enoch Valdez prevented a late collapse by the Lyceum Pirates against the San Beda Red Lions to remain flawless in the NCAA Season 99, 67-62, Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Lyceum was leading by seven, 64-57, with 2:22 remaining following a pair of free throws by Renz Villegas.

But Yukien Andrada heated up and completed a personal 5-0 run to cut the lead to two, 62-64, with a minute left in the game.

San Beda's Jacob Cortez, had a chance to tie the game with a pair of free throws, but he missed both.

The Red Lions were able to secure the rebound, but Valdez jumped the passing lane and went for a breakaway dunk to hike the lead to an insurmountible four-point cushion, 66-62, with 21.1 seconds remaining.

On the other end, Lyceum's Shawn Umali tipped the inbound pass of San Beda. Valdez was completed the steal, but his floater missed.

Cortez tried to cut the lead but his layup fell short.

It was a weird finish to the game, as Umali, who secured the rebound and was shooting free throws, fouled out of the game before his second free throw after being called for a technical foul.

Him and Damie Cuntapay fouled out with three seconds remaining in the game.

It was a balanced effort for Lyceum, as they were led by McLaude Guadana with 12 points. Renz Villegas had 11 for the Pirates, while John Barba and Valdez had 10 apiece.

Cortez, meanwhile, led San Beda with 23 points.

With the win, Lyceum is now 6-0 in the tournament.

San Beda, meanwhile, holds a 3-2 slate.