Valdez fuels Pirates’ fourth-quarter romp

MANILA, Philippines — Enoch Valdez came up with a fourth-quarter performance to remember as he willed Lyceum of the Philippines to a come-from-behind 82-77 victory over University of Perpetual Help yesterday to stay on top in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament.

Misfiring and bumbling in the first three quarters, Valdez stayed resilient and unleashed 11 of his 13 points in the final period to help the Pirates erase a 66-56 deficit and transform it to their fourth win in five starts.

The athletic 6-2 wingman from Pangasinan also starred in LPU’s shock 89-81 triumph over San Beda last Sept. 17 when he came through with a solid 17-point, eight-rebound effort.

Valdez has just recovered from a shoulder injury last season.

College of St. Benilde likewise improved to 4-1 as it trimmed Arellano U, 84-72. The Chiefs faltered to 3-3.