Pirates survive Stags to book NCAA semis berth

MANILA, Philippines -- The Lyceum Pirates have clinched an NCAA Season 99 Final Four spot after escaping the San Sebastian College Golden Stags, 83-80, Friday afternoon at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

With Lyceum leading by just three, 83-80, late in the game, the Stags had various attempts to tie the game.

After Pirate Enoch Valdez missed a jumper with 21 seconds left that would have been the dagger, San Sebastian's Alex Desoyo missed a 3-pointer.

Paeng Are then grabbed the rebound but he missed a layup.

Romel Calahat missed the final attempt of the Stags from the corner as time expired, sealing the win for the Pirates.

The Stags took their biggest lead of the game -- an eight-point spread -- at the half, 42-34, following a Desoyo 3-pointer.

But Pirates showed why they are high in the standings as they overtook the Stags, 64-63, at the end of the third.

San Sebastian gained a four-point lead, 74-70, with 6:28 remaining after a Jessie Sumoda 3-pointer.

But a layup by Valdez capped a 7-0 run by Lyceum, 77-74, with 4:27 remaining.

It set the stage for the final stretch of the game.

Patrick Montano led the PIrates with 22 points. He was followed by Valdez with 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Desoyo finished with 22 markers for San Sebastian.

Lyceum is now assured of a Final Four appearance with a 12-4 record.
The Stags dropped to 5-11.