NCAA: Heartbreak for Stags as Villegas game-winner lifts Lyceum over San Sebastian

MANILA — Lyceum broke the hearts of the San Sebastian Golden Stags on Friday, coming away with a thrilling 78-77 win in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena. 

The Golden Stags looked headed for their breakthrough win until Lyceum’s Renz Villegas came to the Pirates’ rescue and instead powered his team to their third win in eight games in Group A.

San Sebastian had trailed by as many as 12 points before getting to within three, 76-73, with 1:37 to play.

A personal 4-0 run by Ralph Gabat put the Golden Stags ahead, 77-76, with just 5.1 seconds to go.

But Villegas came through with the go-ahead jumper from midrange to give Lyceum a 78-77 lead with 1.1 seconds left, and the Stags had no answer.

“Credit sa coaches doon sa play. Parang nag-break down lang ‘yung defense, ‘di para sa’kin ‘yung play,” said Villegas, who finished with 17 points. 

“Buti na-recognize ng teammates ko. Wala ng oras kaya nagtiwala lang ako,” he added.

Mac Guadaña scored 13 in the win while Jonathan Daileg had 10 in the squad’s third win of the season.

Squandered in the loss was Gabat’s 22-point, 8-rebound outing, while Niel Castor added 13 points.

San Sebastian fell to 0-8 in the tournament.

LPU 78 – Villegas 17, Guadana 13, Daileg 10, Penafiel 9, Aurigue 7, Ondoa 7, Fuentes 6, Rubico 4, Matienzo 3, Gordon 2, Nocum 0, Aviles 0, Manuel 0, Almario 0, Cardinas 0

SSC R 77 – Gabat 22, Castor 13, Ynot 9, Alforque 9, Bacani 6, Suico 6, Muktimar 6, Ricio 2, Velasco 2, Dimaunahan 2, Cuya 0, Segovia 0, Barroga 0

Quarter scores: 20-23, 38-38, 63-58, 78-77