Neil Joshua Moralejo rises as a hero for Mac Guadaña-less Lyceum, banking in the game-winning three to stun Perpetual with a 15-4 finish, while streaking Mapua escapes upset-minded Arellano
MANILA, Philippines – Lyceum broke out of its rut in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament, snapping a three-game skid with a stunning 64-62 heist against Perpetual at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday, October 2.
With the win, the Pirates shored back up to an even 4-4 record, mirroring the Altas with one game left in the first round, all thanks to a banking, go-ahead three by Neil Moralejo that capped a late 15-4 surge with 9 seconds left to put his team up, 63-62.
Perpetual opted for a corner three off the timeout which clanked off, before leading to a split trip at the line by Lyceum’s Renz Villegas to set the final score.
Villegas, starring in the absence of Mac Guadaña, showcased his two-way wares with 18 points, 7 steals, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Moralejo scored 8, same as John Barba, in the heroic finish.
Mark Gojo Cruz, who sank a three at the 5:25 mark of the fourth to give the Altas a 58-49 lead that preceded a disastrous endgame for their side, finished with 14 points, backstopped by 13 from Shawn Orgo.
Meanwhile, the Mapua Cardinals stayed streaking near the top with a 77-71 conquest of the Arellano Chiefs to rise to a 6-2 slate just behind 6-1 CSB.
Reigning MVP Clint Escamis had a standard game by his lofty standards with 15 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals, while Chris Hubilla also scored 15 with 8 boards.
Lorenz Capulong led all scorers in the loss with 19, as Renzo Abiera added 18 points in Arellano’s descent down a 2-6 slate, tied at the cellar with free-falling San Sebastian.
The Scores
First Game
Mapua 77 – Escamis 15, Hubilla 15, Cuenco 10, Mangubat 9, Concepcion 7, Igliane 6, Fermin 5, Jabonete 4, Bancale 2, Ryan 2, Agemenyi 2.
Arellano 71 – Capulong 19, Abiera 18, Camay 11, Ongotan 6, Vinoya 6, Hernal 4, Miller 3, Libang 3, Valencia 1, Geronimo 0, Borromeo 0, Estacio 0, Acop 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 19-19, 41-37, 51-54, 77-71.
Second Game
Lyceum 64 – Villegas 18, Daileg 10, Barba 8, Moralejo 8, Panelo 6, Aviles 5, Gordon 3, Peñafiel 2, Cunanan 2, Montaño 2, Pallingayan 0, Caduyac 0, Culanay 0.
Perpetual 62 – Gojo Cruz 14, Orgo 13, Abis 10, Pizarro 8, Pagaran 4, Manuel 3, Boral 2, Nuñez 2, Montemayor 2, Gelsano 2, Sevilla 2.
Quarter scores: 13-19, 27-32, 43-48, 64-62.
– Rappler.com
