LPU Pirates' Vince Cunanan. Photo from NCAA Philippines/Angela Davocol

MANILA — Lyceum of the Philippines University slayed a huge opponent to boost their chances of entering the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball Final Four.

The Pirates stunned San Beda University all thanks to Vince Cunanan's game-winner, 64-62, during their Round 2 faceoff on a rainy Tuesday afternoon at the San Juan Arena.

Cunanan finished with 11 points including the eventual game-winning trey, two rebounds, an assist, and a steal, Gyle Montaño top scored for the Intramuros-based team with 12 markers, two boards, and two steals, while John Bravo and Jonathan Daileg posted nine and seven, respectively.

Down 60-58 after Penny Estactio drained a three-pointer with only 44.3 seconds left in the fourth and final frame, Cunanan answered with his own triple at the top of the key to regain a one-point lead 15 seconds later.

Estacio then went on to overtake LPU once again after a crucial pull-up jumper at the 21.4-second mark, while a John Barba miss with only 12 seconds remaining added to the bid of San Beda to win their second straight in the second round.

San Beda’s Penny Estacio. Photo from NCAA Philippines/Angela Davocol

However, Barba regained possession for the Pirates after he grabbed the offensive board, and he went on to dish out the rock to Cunanan who drained the eventual game-winning triple against the defending champions with only 8.6 remaining in the contest.

Sajonia went coast to coast to try and save the victory for the Mendiola-based team, but he lost control of the ball and was not even able to attempt a shot.

Bismarck Lina, who is playing just his second game for the Red Lions after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, led SBU in scoring with 12 markers on top of eight boards and an assist.

Yuki Andrada had 11, while Jomel Puno finished with 10 markers.

LPU improved to 6-5 following this win, tied with Colegio de San Juan de Letran for the No. 4 spot in the team standings, while San Beda is now third with a 7-4 record. 

THE SCORES:

LPU 64 – Montaño 12, Cunanan 11, Bravo 9, Daileg 7, Villegas 6, Aviles 5, Barba 4, Peñafiel 4, Panelo 2, Versoza 2, Gordon 2, Moralejo 0, Pallingayan 0

San Beda 62 – Lina 12, Andrada 11, Puno 10, Sajonia 8, Estacio 8, Payosing 6, Tagle 5, Songcuya 2, Gonzales 0, Celzo 0, RC Calimag 0, Royo 0

Quarterscores: 12-20, 31-32, 44-44, 64-62