By MARK MONTEJO
Enoch Valdez finished what Gyle Montaño started as Lyceum pulled off a great escape against San Sebastian, 83-80, to secure its Final Four ticket in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Friday, Nov. 17.
Montaño spearheaded the attack for the Pirates before turning to Enoch Valdez in the final frame to pick up the much-needed win that also allowed them to inch close to a possible twice-to-beat bonus.
Montaño unloaded 22 points built on an impeccable 4-of-4 clip from the paint and 4-of-6 shooting from deep while skipper Valdez put in an all-around effort of 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks.
Burly big man Shawn Umali chalked up 13 points, five rebounds and four assists while Mclaude Guadaña added 10.
Valdez also displayed his veteran presence down the stretch, scoring six crucial points in the waning minutes to give Lyceum a 83-76 cushion.
The Golden Stags, however, refused to raise the white flag just yet as Desoyo, who had been carrying the load for San Sebastian, sank a triple with 2:15 left that cut the lead down to just three.
San Sebastian had the chance to send the game to an extra period but Rommel Calahat missed the potential game-tying trey.
Desoyo finished with 22 points while Rafael Are posted 11 points. Tristan Felebrico and Calahat had nine apiece in a losing cause for the Stags who fell 5-11 slate.
