IN A thrilling finish, Vincent Cunanan delivered a clutch performance with two critical three-pointers to propel Lyceum of the Philippines University to a 64-62 victory over defending champion San Beda University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men’s basketball at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday (15 Oct 2024).

With this win, the Pirates improved to a 6-5 record, tying them for fourth place with the Letran Knights.

“Doon na lang, time is running out, open ako, nakita ako ni (John) Barba, so kahit 0 of 6 ako, pumasok,” said the 25-year-old Cunanan, who hails from Mabalacat, Pampanga. “Siyempre, iba pa rin pag San Beda ang kalaban mo, champion team. Lahat ng team gusto talunin ang San Beda.”

In the final moments, San Beda’s Bryan Sajonia lost possession of the ball as time expired, sealing the win for Lyceum.

Cunanan, who is in his final season, finished the game with 11 points, two rebounds, and one steal.

“Siya ang leader ko, captain ball ko. Sinasabi ko sa kanya na kapag andiyan siya sa court, coach na siya,” said Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan.

Gyle Montano led the Pirates with 12 points, two rebounds, and two steals. John Bravo added nine points and seven rebounds, while Jonathan Daileg and Renz Villegas chipped in with seven and six points, respectively.

For San Beda, Bismark Lima scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but the loss dropped their record to 7-4, placing them in third place.

In other action, Mapua University defeated Emilio Aguinaldo College, 82-79, to claim solo second place at 8-3, trailing College of Saint Benilde, which holds an 8-2 record. EAC is now tied for fifth with the University of Perpetual Help at 5-6. Jose Rizal University and Arellano University are both in joint sixth with identical 3-7 records, followed by San Sebastian College-Recoletos at 2-8.