Rommel Saliente buzzer-beater lifts LPU-B past PCU

MANILA, Philippines — Rommel Saliente hit a jumper at the buzzer, lifting Lyceum of the Phl U-Batangas to a thrilling 71-69 victory over Philippine Christian U-Dasmariñas to remain tied with Technological Institute of the Philippines at fourth in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez College gym yesterday.

Saliente’s endgame heroics capped LPU-Batangas Pirates’ rally from four-points down in the stretch that saw them score seven unanswered points to move ahead at 69-64. But the PCU-Dasma Dolphins fought back behind Marlon Daitol, who buried a triple, and Omar Mangadan to force a tie at 69 with 24 seconds left in the contest.

But Saliente came through with that gem of a shot at endgame to the disappointment of the Dolphins, who turned the ball over with 27 seconds left in the contest.

Lowell Castro topscored for LPU-Batangas with 21 points, August Lapasaran and Christian Alamo added 15 and nine markers, respectively, while Saliente and John Clarion finished with six apiece.