MANILA, Philippines — Greg Cunanan got ice in his veins after hitting the game-winning triple in the dying seconds to lift Lyceum of the Philippines University past San Beda University, 64-62, in the second round of the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday.
In the last 44.3 seconds of the regulation, San Beda's Penny Estacio hit a triple, but Cunanan answered back with a trey of his own to give Lyceum a one-point lead, 61-60.
But Estacio showed heart and went for a one-hander shot with 21.4 seconds remaining to give the Red Lions the advantage, 62-61.
The play of the Pirates was initially set to sniper John Barba. However, with the tight defense of the Red Lions, Cunanan stepped up and hit the game-winning trey, 64-62.
"My players give their all, the first to third groups they really give their best. They really played aggressive inside the court," head coach Gilbert Malabanan said.
"Actually that play on Greg was a broken play, but his confidence and my trust in him was there, so I believe he can do it. Most especially the defense of San Beda was focused on John Barba, they are giving him a hard time to score, he added.
Despite Barba's zero out of 11 shooting, the Pirates prevailed as Cunanan made 11 points and two rebounds, behind Gyle Montaño's 12-point outing.
San Beda's Bismarck Lina, and Yukien Andrada chipped in 12, and 11 markers, respectively.
The Pirates improved to a 6-5 win-loss card, while the Red Lions slipped into a 7-4 slate.