NCAA: John Barba’s late heroics lift Lyceum past Letran

MANILA, Philippines – John Barba played both sides of the ball, pushing Lyceum past Letran, 70-69, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena on Wednesday.

Barba made the game-winning layup after a steal over Letran guard Kurt Reyson with 15.9 seconds left as the Pirates improved to 2-0, with both of their victories coming at the expense of last season’s finalists after they had defeated second place St. Benilde in the match. open on Sunday.

The Knights, meanwhile, fell to 0-2 after an overtime setback also on Sunday at the hands of Jose Rizal University.

Shawn Umali, who starred in Lyceum’s thrilling win over the Blazers, had another good game with 15 points and three rebounds.

The Pirates also scored 10 points and eight rebounds for Enoch Valdez, while Barba added nine, including a basket that cut the Knights’ advantage to one, 69-68.

Reyson had 17 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Kobe Monje had 13 points and seven rebounds, but he missed a potential game-winning triple from the corner late in the game.

Lyceum looks to maintain its winning margins against Perpetual Help on Saturday, while Letran goes for its first win against Emilio Aguinaldo College, which previously defeated Altas 75-67.