LYCEUM of the Philippines University went to Enoch Valdez in the second half as it survived the upset axe wielded by San Sebastian College, 83-80, yesterday and booked a spot to the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Valdez went on beast mode in the last two quarters when he exploded for 14 of his 18 points while facilitating and making a big impact on the defensive end in powering the Pirates to their 12th win in 16 outings and straight to the semis for the first time since 2019.

Later, Mapua rode on the heroics of Marc Cuenco as it repulsed a stubborn Arellano University side, 84-75, to remain at No. 1 with a 14-3 mark.

The Cardinals, who are already assured of a Final Four spot and at least a place in the top two and a twice-to-beat bonus that went with it, could seal the top ranking—a first in Randy Alcantara as Mapua men’s coach—if it beats Jose Rizal University in its final elimination round game Wednesday.

The win that pushed LPU closer to finishing in the top two and claiming the vital twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.

The Pirates have Valdez to thank for after the energetic and athletic wingman supplemented his superb scoring game with eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks.

Patrick Montaño, meanwhile, provided the scoring punch for LPU and knocked in four booming triples in finishing with 22 points.

The Stags dropped to 5-11.

The scores:

First game

Lyceum (83) – Montaño 22, Valdez 18, Umali 13, Guadaña 10, Barba 9, Omandac 5, Cunanan 2, Villegas 2, Peñafiel 2, Bravo 0.
SSC-R (80) – Desyo 22, Are 11, Felebrico 9, Calahat 9, Sumoda 7, Escobido 7, Velasco 4, Una 3, Ra. Gabat 3, Aguilar 3, Re. Gabat 2, De Leon 0, Castor 0, Singson 0.
Quarterscores: 17-19; 34-42; 64-63; 83-80

Second game

Mapua (84) – Cuenco 17, Escamis 15, Hernandez 13, Recto 10, Soriano 9, Rosillo 7, Fornis 6, Dalisay 5, Bonifacio 2.
Arellano (75) – Capulong 22, Talampas 14, Camay 8, Mallari 7, Geronimo 6, Sunga 6, Villarente 4, Ongotan 4, Rosalin 2, Dayrit 2, Tan 0, Yanes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Abastillas 0.
Quarterscores: 25-20; 51-40; 62-56; 84-75.