Pirates get over the hump, miff Bombers

MANILA, Philippines — Enoch Valdez dished out one of the best games of his life in powering Lyceum of the Philippines U to an 82-75 breakthrough victory over Jose Rizal U yesterday in the 97th NCAA basketball tournament at the La Salle Greenhills Gym in Mandaluyong.

The Mangatarem, Pangasinan native dropped 21 points on 9-of-17 clip, and spiced it with 12 rebounds and five steals to help the Pirates clinch their first triumph after a 0-3 tournament start.

“I just told him (Valdez) to return to his strengths and not force things. I’m happy he responded to the challenge,” said rookie coach Gilbert Malabanan, a former PBA player who took the LPU coaching reins from Jeff Perlas.

For Valdez, it was their faith to the system and to each other that helped them get over the hump.

“We just learned how to trust each other and the system,” said Valdez.

McClaude Guadana and Yancy Remulla provided support with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

But Valdez easily shone brightest by scoring five points in a key run that erased a 73-72 deficit with over two minutes to go and gave the Pirates the lead for good.

The Bombers appeared in control early and led by 12 points, 24-12, after the opening quarter.

But the Kalentong-based dribblers failed to sustain it as Valdez went to work to deliver the decisive blows.

JRU dropped to 0-4.

In the other game, University of Perpetual Help overpowered Arellano U, 87-70, to stay at fifth spot with a 2-2 slate.

The Chiefs slipped to 1-3.