MANILA, Philippines – Lyceum came through with the game of its life as it pulled off a massive 70-66 upset of reigning three-peat champion San Beda to barge into an early three-way tie on top with Letran and Jose Rizal in the 89th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City Monday night.
Shane Ko exploded with a game-high 23 points on an excellent eight-of-13 shooting clip, including a pair of free throws in the final seconds, that sealed the Pirates – last placers last season – their first ever win over the Lions in five outings since entering the oldest collegiate league two seasons ago.
"Shane carried us through but I think it’s our collective defense that helped us," said a teary-eyed Lyceum coach Boni Tan, whose team consultant happens to be Brgy. Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua.
The scores:
Lyceum 70- Ko 23, Zamora 9, Taladua 7, Azores 6, Mendoza 6, Baltazar 6, Mbomiko 6, Ambohot 4, Francisco 3, Evangelista 0, Alanes 0, Lesmoras 0
San Beda 66- Amer 18, Adeogun 11, Abarcar 9, Koga 8, dela Cruz 8, A. Semerad 5, D. Semerad 3, Villaruz 2, dela Rosa 2, Mendoza 0, Bonsubre 0, Pascual 0, Ludovice 0
Quarterscores: 18-22; 35-28; 56-48; 70-66