Perez, Zark’s-Lyceum halt slump, fend off struggling Go for Gold
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Zark’s Burger-Lyceum put the brakes on its three-game losing skid after scoring a 108-94 drubbing of Go for Gold Monday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
CJ Perez paced the Jawbreakers with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Mike Nzeusseu recorded a double-double with his 21 markers, 11 boards, and three dimes in the victory.
MJ Ayaay chipped in 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Jaycee Marcelino dropped six of his 15 markers in the fourth period to put away the Scratchers for good.
“It’s been a while. Again, we’re happy that we got back in our winning ways. We just have to play our game, nothing is gonna change. What’s important is we learn from our mistakes and try to get better all the time,” said a relieved coach Topex Robinson, as Zark’s-Lyceum improved to 5-4.
The Jawbreakers easily overturned a 15-20 deficit after staging a 21-3 blast to take a 36-23 lead at the end of the first quarter. They continued to pounce on the listless Scratchers, stretching their lead to as high as 27, 81-54, with 3:07 left in the third quarter.
The Scratchers made one last rally behind Matt Salem, whose barrage of treys cut the Jawbreakers’ advantage to eight, 91-83, midway through the payoff period.
Twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, though, came to Zark’s-Lyceum rescue late as they strung six straight points to restore oder, 97-83, with 4:53 remaining.
“The joy was gone in our game,” admitted Robinson of his team’s struggles that led to their slump. “Joy means that you’ll make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. I just let them play today.”
Salem went 6-of-12 from three to top Go for Gold (4-6) with 24 points and six rebounds. Yankie Haruna added 22 markers and nine rebounds, but their efforts weren’t enough as the Scratchers incurred their third straight defeat.
The scores:
ZARK’S BURGER-LYCEUM 108 — Perez 23, Nzeusseu 21, Ayaay 16, Jc. Marcelino 15, Pretta 9, Jv. Marcelino 8, Caduyac 6, Baltazar 3, Tansingco 3, Marata 2, Yong 2, Ibañez 0, Santos 0, Serrano 0.
GO FOR GOLD 94 — Salem 24, Haruna 22, Leutcheu 12, Desiderio 8, Alejandro 7, Gaco 5, Naboa 5, Gutang 4, Dixon 3, Domingo 2, Ocampo 2, Pasturan 0.
Quarters: 36-23, 63-44, 83-66, 108-94.
