LPU Pirates Upset San Beda In NCAA Season 89: Viva Larga Pirata!

By Kristina Caramel Sy

LPU Pirates notched their first win in NCAA season 89 against the defending champs San Beda Red Lions via 70-66. It is their first ever victory against San Beda dating back to 2011.

Pirates‘ team captain Shane Ko led his squad as he provided 23 points, 6 rebound and 3 assists.

The Mendiola based squad took the lead in the 1st quarter. However, the LPU Pirates never gave up and outclassed the Red Lions in the 2nd Quarter wherein San Beda only produced 6 points whereas the Pirates produced 17 points that placed them on the driver seat, 35-28.

The Pirates continued their on point navigation and didn’t give San Beda any chances to get the lead early in the 2nd half. But the Red Lions seemed to have brought back their energy in the last 2 minutes of the game where they cut their double digit deficit down to 2.

The Red Lions tried to stop the Pirates’ momentum to eventually force an overtime match, but Shane Ko sank his two bonus freethrows. That sealed the win for Lyceum.

“Ang gusto lang naman naming ngayon maiangat ang team namin. Kasi last year nasa ilalim kami,” said the brimming Coach Bonnie Tan.

Shane Ko, on the other hand, thanked his D-League experience that proved to be useful in this big win.