MANILA — Lyceum of the Philippines University clinched the final spot in the NCAA Season 100 Final Four with a hard-fought 82-81 victory over College of Saint Benilde on Friday (15 Nov 2024) at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
John Barba was the standout performer for the Pirates, scoring 27 points, including five three-pointers, and adding three steals.
“Nag-extend kami ng practice kahapon, natapos kami halos 10 p.m.,” said Barba, whose stellar performance propelled LPU to a 10-8 record.
The Pirates surged to a 39-23 lead in the first half before CSB mounted a comeback to trim the deficit to 46-42 at the break.
Barba was supported by John Bravo, who contributed 12 points and eight rebounds. Renz Villanueva, Mclaude Guadana, and Jonathan Daileg each added 11 points in a balanced attack.
CSB’s Allen Liwag was dominant, finishing with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists, while Jhom Justine Sanchez also had a solid performance with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
With the victory, Lyceum will face top-seeded Mapua University in the Final Four. CSB, now second with a 14-4 record, will meet defending champion San Beda University in the other semifinal matchup.
LPU head coach Gilbert Malabanan credited Barba’s shooting, saying, “He’s been practicing that.” Malabanan also shared their strategy heading into the game: “Ang game plan namin, kung makakalimit kami kay Liwag, malaking chance na manalo.”
CSB now awaits the outcome of Mapua’s game against Arellano University on Saturday to determine their semifinal opponent.
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