Enoch Valdez picked up where he left off, steering Lyceum of the Philippines University to a revenge win against their first round tormentor Jose Rizal University, 79-62, in NCAA Season 98 on Wednesday.
After posting a career-high 30 points in their last game, Valdez led the way with 21 points alongside seven rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block in this one.
He also got support from King Vinoya and John Barba, who chipped in with 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
With its fourth straight win, Lyceum bolstered its bid for a playoffs incentive after improving to 12-5 while JRU dropped to 6-10.
Valdez quickly churned out 14 points at the half to help Lyceum erect a 41-33 halftime lead.
But the fourth-year cager was hardly needed in the third period as supporting crew Barba, Vinoya, and Omar Larupay provided ample help to help the Pirates extend it to a 57-45 lead at the end of the third.
Valdez then found his touch in the payoff period, going for a slam and completing a three-point play opportunity as Lyceum’s lead ballooned to 20 at one point, 67-47.
The win allowed Final Four-bound Lyceum to get back at JRU, who defeated them during their first round meeting, 63-57.
A Mclaude Guadaña triple sent Lyceum to its biggest lead at the half, 22-12, but JRU kept knocking on the door to end the first two quarters trailing by eight.
The scores:
LPU 79 - Valdez 21, Vinoya 11, Barba 10, Umali 9, Guadana 9, Penafiel 6, Larupay 5, Garro 3, Aviles 3, Montano 2, Cunanan 0, Bravo 0, Culanay 0, Villegas 0, Omandac 0.
JRU 62 - Tan 12, Dela Rosa 11, Dionisio 8, Guiab 7, Medina 6, Mercado 5, Miranda 4, Abaoag 3, Joson 2, De Jesus 2, Arenal 2, Villarin 0.
Quarters: 22-14, 41-33, 57-45, 79-62.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News