By MARK REY MONTEJO

Lyceum survived a huge scare from Arellano en route to an 89-77 overtime win to remain unbeaten in NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The Pirates drew strength from their tenacious defense in digging themselves out of a 24-point grave, forcing extra time following a Mclaude Gaudana triple before JB Bravo delivered the goods in the extension to steal their fifth straight win in as many outings.

Enoch Valdez dropped a season-high 26 points before fouling out while Gaudana had 20 points including the crucial basket.

Then came Bravo, who scattered eight of his 14 points in extra time, including a couple of thunderous three-pointers that sparked that decisive 10-0 blitz.

 “The boys never gave up,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan, whose impressive start was reminiscent of the Intramuros-based school’s performance six years ago when it swept the elimination round in 18 games and zoomed straight to the finals.

Jearlan Omandac likewise delivered as he pinch hit for veteran big man Shawn Umali, who fouled out as early as the third quarter, and readily contributed with eight points.

But more than the individual offensive brilliances, Malabanan said it was defense that spelled the biggest difference.

“It was defense, nakita niyo naman,” he said.

It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Chiefs, who blew their chances of claiming their first win of the season.

Instead, they sputtered to their fourth defeat in a row, despite the efforts of Lorenz Capulong and Danielle Mallari, who had 13 and 11 points, respectively.