Lyceum of the Philippines University closed out its preliminary round campaign on a high note, defeating the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 73-66, in the NCAA Juniors basketball tournament on Sunday at the Filoil Centre.
The Junior Pirates delivered a stinging blow to the defending Junior ALTAs, who suffered their fourth consecutive defeat heading into the final stages of the competition. LPU finishes the group stage with a 4-9 win-loss record.
Lemarcus Pelayo anchored the LPU offense, pouring in a game-high 21 points along with three rebounds, one assist, and a block to lead the upset effort.
He was complemented by Jericho Abrantes, who provided an all-around performance of 11 markers, seven boards, and six dimes. Ken Bo, Steven Creus, and Harvey Turno each chipped in nine points to provide crucial support.
Perpetual, still reeling from losses against San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Mapua University, and Arellano University, struggled to find their rhythm, particularly from their lead scorer. Star shooter Don Rosales finished with 15 points but went cold, hitting only 5-of-15 from the field.
Kurt Velasquez and Ezekiel Zamoras added 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for Perpetual. Velasquez also chipped in six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the losing effort.
Despite the setback and the loss of momentum, Perpetual will still clinch an outright quarterfinals berth after securing third place in Group A.
The Junior Pirates, meanwhile, booked a spot in the play-in stage where they will face San Sebastian for a chance at the last remaining quarterfinals slot.
