Pirates gun for 2nd win

MANILA, Philippines — Guest team Lyceum eyes the early solo lead today when it takes on host University of Perpetual Help in the 87th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Pirates stunned the league on Monday when they surprised a depleted College of Saint Benilde, 75-63, to kick start their NCAA debut in grand fashion.

In the win, the Intramuros-based cagers, drew big games from Chris Cayabyab, Allan Santos, Rich Guevarra and Shane Ko.

"Our win served as a good start to handle the pressure this season," said coach Bonnie Tan, who has steered the team to two straight Interscholastics Athletic Association titles and three stints in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

Lyceum battles a Perpetual team that is out to bounce back from an 82-52 loss to defending champion San Beda also last Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Altas are dealing with a huge transition after Paul Nuilan was again disallowed by the league to suit up this season, prompting Boris Aldeguer to quit his coaching job and handed the reigns to assistant Jimwell Gican.

Chris Elopre and shooter Jet Vidal are eyeing to help the cagers from Las Piñas recover from their dismal loss.

Gametime is at 2 p.m. before Jose Rizal University and Arellano seek their first win in the second game at 4 p.m.

The Heavy Bombers nearly pulled off an upset win before dropping a 73-67 loss to San Sebastian while the Chiefs lost a nine-point lead after three quarters for a disappointing 84-77 setback to Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin