THE UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help triumphed over the Lyceum of the Philippines University, 89-83, in an overtime showdown on Saturday (26 Oct 2024), boosting their chances for a semifinal berth in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Perpetual established its largest lead at 59-51 during the third quarter and was poised to win 77-75 when Lyceum’s Jonathan Daileg scored from the left corner with just over a second left in regulation. However, after a video review, the shot was determined to be a two-pointer rather than a three-pointer, leading to overtime.

In the extra period, Christian Pagaran, Jearico Nuñez, and Mark Gojo Cruz combined for 12 crucial points, securing the victory for the Altas.

Pagaran led Perpetual with 16 points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists, and two blocks. Nuñez contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, while Cruz added nine points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

With this win, the Altas improved to 6-8, avenging their earlier 62-64 loss to the Pirates on October 2. JP Boral topped the scoring with 18 points, complemented by six rebounds and three assists, while John Abis provided 12 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

For the Pirates, Renz Villegas led with 23 points, four assists, and two steals. John Barba contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two steals, while Daileg added 10 points. Mclaude Guadana and Neil Moralejo each chipped in nine points as Lyceum fell to 6-7, slipping half a game behind the Altas.