Undermanned Lyceum outlasts Benilde, nails quarters berth

MANILA, Philippines – Even with the odds stacked against them, Renzo Navarro and the short-handed Lyceum Pirates dug deep, surviving a grueling overtime duel against the St. Benilde Blazers, 73-66, in the 2018 Smart City Hoops Under-25 Summer Classic on Wednesday, May 9, in San Juan City.

Navarro tallied 25 points, 11 assists, and 4 steals to power the Pirates to the quarterfinals.

“Sabi nga sa amin ni coach na kailangan namin maipanalo ito para makapasok sa next round. Kahit 7 lang kami, na-motivate kami dahil dun,” said Navarro. “Yung mga ganung pressure, yung mga do-or-die na laro, dun na-tetest yung character namin. Nag-usap kami at nagka-isa kami.” 

(Coach said we needed the win to advance to the next round. Even if we were just 7, we were motivated by that. Our characters get tested with this kind of pressure and do-or-die games. We really talked among ourselves to work as a team.)  

Navarro’s leadership proved pivotal in extra time. Clinging to just a 67-65 lead with 1:08 left, the Pirates leaned on the former Golden Stag, who connected on a stop-and-pop jumper to give Lyceum a 4-point cushion. 

Lyceum was also able to draw big games from incoming rookie Liam Barbero, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Yancy Remulla, who added 14 points and 19 boards. 

Prince Carlos scored 16 to pace the Blazers, who ended their campaign winless in 5 outings. – Rappler.com