Villegas nails game-winner as Pirates avoid upset axe vs Stags

MANILA, Philippines -- Renz Villegas hit a mid-range jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining to save the Lyceum Pirates from an upset against the San Sebastian College Stags, 78-77, in their NCAA Season 102 clash Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Lyceum squandered an eight-point game with 5:43 remaining, but Villegas saved the day for the Pirates from a win-starved Stags squad. 

The Pirates led by eight, 70-62, after a pair of free throws by Lance Aurigue. 

But an 11-3 run capped by a triple by San Sebastian’s Niel Castor tied things up at 73-all with three minutes to go. 

Free throws by Roger Ondoa and Mclaude Guadana, though, pushed Lyceum ahead, 76-73, before Ralph Gabat unleashed a 4-0 mini-run to give the Stags a 77-76 lead with about three seconds to go. 

Lyceum then went to Aurigue, who found Villegas on the baseline. Villegas pulled up and shot the jumper, hitting nothing but net with 1.1 seconds remaining. 

San Sebastian had the chance to go for the win but Castor’s last second triple attempt came up short as time expired. 

Villegas produced 17 points in the win. Guadana seconded him with 13. 

Gabat produced 22 markers for the Stags while Castor chipped in 13 in the loss. 

Lyceum rose to 3-5 in Group A play, while the Stags slipped to 0-8.