NCAA: Rubico powers LPU past Perpetual to end skid

Lyceum of the Philippines University‘s Matt Rubico in action against University of Perpetual Help in NCAA Season 102. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Matthew Rubico starred as Lyceum of the Philippines University took down University of Perpetual Help, 98-89, in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

Rubico scattered 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal on 5-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc as the Pirates ended their four-game skid to notch their second win in seven games.

“Lagi ko lang silang hina-huddle na we should stay composed, na kaya natin ‘to,” said the former LPU Junior Pirate, as the Pirates avoided squandering a double-digit lead despite the Altas’ late efforts to crawl back.

Renz Villegas also contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Mac Guadana scored five of his 14 points in the final period, when LPU led by as many as 12 points.

Jonathan Daileg, meanwhile, drained a three-pointer with only 26 seconds left to push LPU’s lead to its largest at 95-83, eventually finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.

Despite multiple attempts to inch closer, the Altas fell short as Rubico and Daileg’s heroics sent Perpetual to its fifth loss in seven outings.

Rey Maglupay topscored for the Altas with 19 points, while Angelo Geslano and LA Casinillo followed with 18 and 17 points, respectively, as Perpetual also absorbed its fourth straight loss.

LPU 98 — Rubico 21, Villegas 19, Daileg 18, Guadana 14, Ondoa 11, Aurigue 7, Penafiel 4, Aviles 2, Manuel 1, Cardinas 1, Almario 0, Matienzo 0, Nocum 0, Gordon 0, Fuentes 0.

Perpetual 89 — Maglupay 19, Gelsano 18, Casinillo 17, Gojo Cruz 13, Orgo 7, Corpuz 6, Borja 4, Duremdes 3,  Tulabut 2, Roluna 0, Cristino 0, Cauguiran 0.

Quarterscores: 21-23, 50-46, 70-66, 98-89.