Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan talks to his assistant coaches during their match against San Sebastian at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.-NCAA Photo
MANILA, Philippines – Lyceum may have retained the top spot in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament, but coach Gilbert Malabanan is not entirely satisfied with the team’s latest victory.
On Tuesday at the San Juan Arena, the Pirates maintained their impeccable record after four games after beating San Sebastian 83-72, but Malabanan emphasized that there were still many mistakes on Lyceum’s side.
“First of all, I am not very happy with our game because my main concern is how my players and team are playing. Whatever happens, I focus more on the things I have control over, namely the team itself,” said the top coach.
“My problem is my team. I have to give them credit, despite our mistakes and failures, but still, a win is a win.
After leading by as many as 11, Lyceum fumbled the ball several times, giving the Golden Stags some breathing room as they trailed by just two points, 74-72, in the final minutes of the game.
However, Collegiate Press Corps’ Player of the Week, Shawn Umali, took matters into his own hands by sinking an inside bucket and charity stripe foul, putting Lyceum ahead, 77-72, with 2:08 left in the game .
John Barba led the undefeated Pirates with 20 points, while Umali came up big with 14 points and eight rebounds. Mclaude Guadana and JM Bravo, meanwhile, also scored 10 points each in the win.
Rafael Are’s 15-point performance was wasted as San Sebastian was carded 1-2. Reggz Gabat also dropped 13 points and eight boards, but to no avail.
ETERNAL FIRST PROFIT
Jielo Razon of Perpetual Help sits with his teammates. –NCAA photo
Earlier, Perpetual Help put its best foot forward and recorded its first tournament victory at the expense of Arellano, which is still winless after three games.
Marcus Nitura helped the Altas to a 1-2 card with a near double-double of 19 markers and nine rebounds, while Christian Pagaran and Art Roque spread 17 and 13 points, respectively. Mark Omega also put in a masterclass with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
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Jade Talampas was the only double-digit scorer for the Chiefs with 23 markers in a losing effort.
