Lyceum-B escapes UP, nears Fr. Martin Cup semis

MANILA, Philippines – Transferee Joseph Gabayni scored two crucial charities at endgame, lifting the Lyceum Philippines University-B Pirates to an 87-86 win over the University of the Philippines Maroons last Thursday in the 20th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament.

Gabayni’s heroics sent the Pirates-B to their sixth win in eight games when the smoke of battle cleared at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.

This put the Intramuros-based cagers a win closer to a second semifinals seat in Group A, and with the University of Perpetual Altas unbeaten (8-0) in their bracket, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa.

The six-foot-five Gabayni, a transferee from University of Santo Tomas, had a game-high 24 points and found a chance to win it for the Pirates-B after JR Gallarza fouled him in the last 10.8 seconds.

Gallarza, who scored 18 points via the six triples he drained, kept the Maroons in front in the last 36 seconds with a trey, 86-85.

Meanwhile, Cedrick Labing-Isa delivered 12 points for the National University-B Bulldogs as they waylaid the Centro Escolar University-Malolos Scorpions, 74-56, to end their stint in Group A at 2-7.

Diego Dario unloaded 20 points for the Philippine Under-17 team (3-4) as they won over the Trinity Stallions, 70-67, and with Michael Nieto shooting four of five charities at endgame.     

The Maroons, who finished their campaign with a 4-5 win-loss record, drew 22 points from Christopher Vito and 20 from Dave Moralde.

The Pirates-B could have moved further ahead after Gabayni’s charities, but Dexter Zamora missed two gift shots in the final 6.5 seconds.

Jason Ibay hit 12 points for the St. Clare Saints, who smothered the San Sebastian Stags, 70-48.