By MARK REY MONTEJO
Jearlan Omandac delivered huge in the absence of skipper Enoch Valdez as Lyceum got back at Emilio Aguinaldo College, 81-78, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Omandac unloaded all of his five treys in the second half, including back-to-back that highlighted a decisive 9-0 salvo to grab a 74-68 lead that had Lyceum’s supporters roaring in sheer delight.
The Pirates then tightened up their defensive screws to keep the Generals at bay, enough to secure their 8th win in 11 starts.
It was a sweet revenge for the Pirates because it was the Generals who halted their six-game winning run via an 83-76 decision in the first round.
The Tagum-native Omandac finished with a game-high 24 points and collared nine rebounds while Renz Villegas tallied 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Also shining for the Pirates were Alvin Penafiel and Shawn Umali who chipped 12 and 8 points, respectively.
LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan said the trust and confidence he has given to all his players since the first day the team was officially formed were enough motivation for them to respond positively.
“Lahat ng players ko I trusted them with all of my heart, pag once na pinasok ko mga iyan may gagawing maganda yan,” said Malabanan, who added that Valdez is still recovering from an illness.
EAC, which suffered its fifth loss in 11 games, had a chance to send the game into overtime but JP Maguliano’s desperation from way beyond the 3-point arc failed to hit the mark.
EAC’s diminutive but big-hearted rookie Kyle Ochavo had a career-game of 21 points, eight boards and six assists.
The scores:
First Game
LPU 81- Omandac 24, Villegas 13, Penafiel 12, Umali 8, Cunanan 7, Barba 7, Fuentes 4, Bravo 2, Guadana 2, Montano 2, Aviles 0.
EAC 78- Cosejo 23, Ochavo 21, Maguliano 13, Gurtiza 5, Tolentino 5, Quinal 5, Angeles 3, Doria 2, Umpad 1, Robin 0, Luciano 0, Loristo 0, Bacud 0.
Quarters: 26-20; 42-43; 60-54; 81-78.
