HOOPS

Pirates pummel Altas

Ivan Suing · Oct 13, 2026, 10:19 PM

RENZ Villegas of Lyceum makes his move in during their 98-89 victory over Perpetual on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament. — Photograph courtesy of NCAA

Lyceum of the Philippines University downed University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 98-89, in Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Monday.

Matthew Rubico led the Pirates with 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists as they snapped a four-game losing streak and improved to 2-5.

Rubico went 7-of-11 from the field but swore that his team mates likewise did their part.

“We won this game not just because of me. It was a collective effort. Several of us scored in double digits, and the guys who needed to step up did so,” Rubico said.

With under a minute left in the game, Lyceum continued to hold a nine-point advantage, 92-83, before Jonathan Daileg put the game out of reach with a triple that lifted the Pirates up, 95-83, with 26 ticks to go.

Jonathan Daileg and Axl Manuel then combined to make three of four free throws to seal the win.