Pirates clobber Knights

Lyceum of the Philippines University unleashed another fourth quarter to remember as it overhauled double-digit deficits to down an already eliminated Letran, 85-79, that kept its second round run going in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Sunday, Nov. 5.

Trailing by as much as 14 in the third quarter and 12 entering the final canto, the sweet-shooting duo of John Bravo and Mclaude Guadana conspired in the decisive breakaway that propelled the Pirates to their fourth win in a row and 10th overall in 13 outings.

It was another memorable ending to what had been a slow and sputtery start for LPU as it snatched the win that ensured it of a place in the top two regardless of the outcome of the game by Mapua (9-3), which was playing San Sebastian at press time.

And Bravo and Guadana were at the center of it all as the two combined for 17 of their team’s 29 points in the fourth period including a combined five back-breaking triples.

It was another dramatic comeback for a Gilbert Malabanan-mentored LPU squad that has gotten into the habit of crawling like a worm at the start before sprinting like a cheetah in the end.

“Sana magkaroon kami ng energy hindi lang sa fourth quarter kung hindi simula sa first quarter,” said Malabanan.

In contrast, the Knights blew another game where they led big and ended up with a 12th setback against a lone win that underscored how heartbreaking the season is for the former three-peat champions.