Lyceum of the Philippines University squandered a huge 20-point advantage in the third quarter but came back strong in the payoff period to beat Philippine Women’s University (PWU), 77-72, in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum 7th Season on Saturday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Alpha Ba starred for Lyceum’s first win of the season as he imposed his will inside to finish in double-double with 23 points and 13 boards apart from tallying two assists in a little over 35 minutes of action.

The 6-foot-8 Ba was supported by David Jose and Kurt Lee Laput, who logged 20 and 13 points, respectively, as the Pirates bounced back from a stunning 81-71 loss to Immaculada Concepcion College-Caloocan in the opener on Thursday.

The Pirates of Batangas dominated the first two quarters, taking a 41-35 advantage at the break before extending it to 20 (50-30) near the halfway mark of the third quarter.

The Patriots, however, rallied mightily, outscoring the Pirates, 20-2, through the inspired games of John Emiel Bajet and John Espiritu to tie the count at 52-all going in the final quarter.

The loss was a painful one for PWU as it even took a 60-56 lead only to disintegrate in the face of Lyceum’s mighty comeback.