LPU Pirates post second straight win in NCAA

This appears in the Thursday, July 7, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.

LPU Pirates post second straight win in NCAA

by rick olivares

The Lyceum of the Philippines University bucked a late challenge by the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to eke out a hard earned win at the San Juan Arena.

Following a Chris Cayabyab trey at the 6:41 mark of the fourth period for an 83-69 lead, the Altas methodically chopped down the lead behind junior guard Chris Elorpe’s two treys.  The Altas were able to hold the Pirates, NCAA Season 87’s guest team on the offensive end. However, they were unable to convert four consecutive attempts in the final minute of play. Lyceum guard Shane Ko finally put the Altas out of their misery when he hauled down the defensive board and converted two free throws after a hard foul by Elorpe.

Ironically, it was LPU that seemed on the verge of being blown out as Perpetual Help, this year’s host school, led 14-1 by mid-first quarter. But the duo of Floricel Guevarra and Cayabyab were a tough match up for the height-challenged Altas.

For the second straight year in a row, Perpetual Help was dealt a stinging blow days before the start of the season as its two big men -- Marlon Gomez and Paul Niulan -- were declared ineligible to suit up. The set back angered head coach Boris Aldeguer who resigned in disgust five days before opening day. “Some members of the NCAA board assured us that the cases of Gomez and Niulan were done and that they’d be allowed to play.” Jimwell Gican, Aldeguer’s assistant, was promoted to head coach and he wasted no time in trying to shore up their stratospherically challenged squad.

At the height of LPU’s first half rally, UPHSD momentarily lost undersized forward-center Mark Sumera to a dislocated shoulder. Gican called upon rookie center Jonathan Tonggal and tapped his chest, “Lalaban ka ba? Kailangan ka namin.”

Tonggal scored four points including an offensive putback to give Perpetual Help a 45-42 halftime lead.

Come the third quarter, Cayabyab and Allan Santos a refugee from Adamson University in the UAAP, ignited a rally that saw them seize the third quarter 73-65 and later still, a 14-point lead with under four minutes to play.

LPU coach Bonnie Tan was elated with the win that gave them their second straight win of the young season. “This is our first win in a game that was televised,” said Tan. “Dati pag-televised yung mga laban namin sa Ateneo (in the Filoil tournament) talo kami. Hindi magpapatalo sila (Perpetual Help) sa guest team so laban lang.”

Lyceum shocked College of Saint Benilde with a stinging 75-63 upset in their opening day assignment.

Chris Cayabyab led the way for Lyceum with 17 points while Guevarra added 14. Santos once more posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Pirates’ center finished with 19 points and 17 boards against the Blazers on opening day.

Jet Vidal matched Cayabyab’s output of 17 while Justin Alano and Anthony Paulino added 13 points each. Chris Elopre chipped in 10 while rookie Jaycee Asuncion scored 10 points.  

LPU is currently at 2-0 while the host Altas are at the south pole with a 0-2 record.