San Sebastian halts Lyceum’s winning streak off a resilient comeback

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After dominating every team they faced this 2019 NCAA season, the Lyceum Pirates’ six-game winning streak finally came to an end off a tough and dramatic late-game comeback from the San Sebastian Golden Stags.

The Golden Stags edged Lyceum in a pulsating 73-71 win behind Allyn Bulanadi’s 28 massive points and the game-winning assist he delivered to Romel Calahat with 5.2 seconds left in the clock.

The Pirates broke the game wide open early on as they jumped to a 41-22 start in the first half, making it rain from the field off the hot hands of Mike Nzeusseu and Jaycee Marcelino.

As the game progressed, the powerhouse Lyceum team seemed to dominate and just take over the game with no signs of life from San Sebastian.

But Bulanadi had different plans as he single-handedly helped San Sebastian climb back from the 19-point deficit, equalizing every basket Lyceum made.

Pumped up and determined, the Golden Stags put on a masterful defensive display in the third period, limiting the Pirates to only 10 points.

Bulanadi’s offensive prowess remained consistent throughout the final canto, inching closer to just 50-53 heading to the fourth.

Both teams went nip and tuck in the final frame, not until Nzeussue scored a basket to give the lead to Lyceum with 1:07 left.

Not backing down from the challenge, Alvin Capobres drained a clutch trey to give the lead back to the Golden Stags.

Marcelino then got fouled during Lyceum’s possession, deadlocking the game at 71.

San Sebastian finally sealed the victory off a wonderful connection from Bulanadi and Calahat.