Pirates pull off thriller vs Knights

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines caught another big fish in three-peat champion Letran with an epic 70-69 victory yesterday that sent it straight to the top in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Shawn Umali powered his way to a 15-point effort while John Barba delivered the game-winning bucket and rebound late to hand the Pirates a second win after an 85-81 upset of last year’s runners-up College of St. Benilde Blazers in Sunday’s opener.

The Pirates of Intramuros dealt the Knights, who fell to the Jose Rizal U Bombers, 85-79, also last Sunday, their second loss in a row – the latter’s worst start in a season in long while.

Earlier, Emilio Aguinaldo College skipper JP Maguliano fired 24 points to power the Generals to a stunning 75-67 win over the University of Perpetual Help Altas.

“Hindi kami nag ensayo ng eight months para lang matalo,” said Maguliano, who had a big game also marked by nine rebounds, two blocks and two assists.

What’s scary about the graduating 24-year-old Hospitality Management student was his new found arsenal – a once non-existent three-point shooting. He swished three in four tries.

The biggest came midway in the final quarter when he sank one that lit up a 12-0 juggernaut from a 57-all deadlock.

“Tumitira na din ako dati pero hindi lang masyado pumapasok,” said Maguliano.

On this memorable day, his treys came aplenty.

Ralph Robin helped out by firing 12 points, 10 of which in their decisive fourth-quarter breakaway.