LPU Pirates keep heads above water

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines University coach Gilbert Malabanan mapped out a plan to neutralize San Sebastian’s run-and-gun game – a relentless inside attack.

It worked.

Drawing strength from its height and heft, the Pirates rammed the smaller Stags, 93-85, yesterday that kept their ship afloat in the tight NCAA Season 100 Final Four race at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Pounding the inside gave Malabanan the desired results as it forced SSC-R to foul. The Pirates made a killing from the stripe and drilled in 27 of 38 charities.

“The game plan talaga is attack and attack. Tinitignan din kasi namin ano weaknesses ng kalaban at ang Baste (SSC) wala masyado shot-blocker,” said Malabanan.

“We took advantage of it,” he added.

LPU captain Renz Villegas waxed hot with 25 points while John Barba contributed 20 in powering the Pirates to their seventh victory against eight setbacks and back in the semis hunt. The Stags sputtered to 4-11.

Arellano U outlasted Jose Rizal U, 81-75, to improve to 6-9 and remain in the Final Four race. The Bombers dropped to 4-11.