Valdez tows Lyceum to semis

Enoch Valdez delivered a career-high 30 points to power Lyceum of the Philippines to a 73-65 victory over San Sebastian College in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The do-it-all Valdez shot a sizzling 9-of-17 from the field on top of 11 rebounds to lead the Pirates to their 11th win in 16 matches that gave them a slot in the semifinals together with Letran College.

The Pirates and the Knights need to grab at least 14 wins to clinch the twice-to-beat edge in the next round.

This is Lyceum’s fourth semis trip since joining the league as an expansion team in 2011. The last time the Pirates stepped on the semis was in Season 95 in 2019 with Mike Harry Nzeusseu and brothers Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino as key players.

JM Bravo was also impressive, dropping 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block while Enzo Navarro had seven markers and six boards for the Pirates.

In the first game, Perpetual Help System Dalta hammered a 72-60 victory to send Jose Rizal University out of Final Four contention.

Jeff Egan and Carlo Ferreras led the charges, helping the Altas put an end to the Heavy Bombers’ semifinal aspiration.

The Altas sealed the win after unloading a 15-7 blast in the fourth period off a put back by Rey Barcuma to gain a 67-57 lead with only 2:48 left.

Altas coach Myk Saguiguit said he told his wards to play hard even if they are no longer in Final Four contention.