Valdez takes Pirates to Final Four; Altas dump Bombers

Enoch Valdez stepped up big when the stakes were high for Lyceum, shooting 14 of his 30 points in the final frame on Sunday to key a 73-65 victory over San Sebastian as the Pirates punched a ticket in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for the first time since 2019.

“The way he performed, that’s what we needed,” Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan said. “I am very proud of our players.”

Holding a 59-56 lead, Valdez, a former All-Star Game MVP, completed a three-point play that set the tone for the Lyceum breakaway as the Pirates rose to 11-5, while dealing the Golden Stags an eighth loss in 14 games.

Meanwhile, out of playoff contention as early as last week, Perpetual Help ear…

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