Pirates stay perfect, Altas snap losing run

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines University outlasted a gritty San Sebastian, 83-72, yesterday to register its win No. 4 in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Up by just two with three minutes to go, the Pirates punished the Stags with an 11-0 blitz and went on to fortify their grip of the solo lead.

John Barba led the way with 20 points including three booming treys while bull strong Shawn Umali did almost everything with 14 points, eight boards, four assists, four blocks and three steals.

The Stags dropped to 1-2.

Earlier, University of Perpetual Help overpowered Arellano U, 85-66, in a showdown between doormat teams.

Mircus Nitura delivered a memorable performance with 19 points that went with nine rebounds, five assists and a steal as the Altas claimed their first win after two losses in a row.

The game also produced heroes in Christian Pagaran, Art Roque and Mark Omega, who scattered 17, 13 and 12 points, respectively.