Barba relishes new role for Lyceum

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum’s John Barba gave up his starting position to come off the bench and have a clearer and better shot at contributing to the team.

Good thing LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan relented as Barba came through with another strong performance in lifting the Pirates to an 82-80 win over the Jose Rizal U Bombers and back in the magic four of NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The sweet-shooting Barba dropped 20 points, which came on the heels of another 20-point effort in a 93-85 victory over San Sebastian last Tuesday that ended a mini personal slump.

It also gave LPU its eighth win in as many defeats.

Lyceum could claim a Final Four seat if it hurdles Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday and St. Benilde next week.

“He asked for it, mas makikita daw niya depensa pag off the bench siya. I trust my players so I let him,” said Malabanan referring to Barba.

In the other game, St. Benilde downed an undermanned Letran, 83-78, to stay at the helm with a 13-2 record.

The Knights, who played minus big man Kevin Santos, stumbled to 7-9.