Also-ran Lyceum stuns Final 4 hopeful Perpetual

Lyceum Pirates. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Playing with nothing to lose, Lyceum spoiled University of Perpetual Help’s Final Four plans with a 64-61 stunner in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Reymar Caduyac buried nine of his team-high 15 points as the Pirates scored a morale-boosting win in what has been a trying season.

“Actually it’s the start of the next season for us already,” Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson said. “Pretty much the reason why the games still have bearing for us is that we’re preparing for next season.”

“No wasted games, we still have one and it’s gonna prepare us for a championship in the future.”

Lyceum came into the game sporting the second-worst record in the league, but played above what was expected from an also-ran squad.

The Pirates played the kind of grind-it-out game where the Altas usually flourish.

Bright Akhuetie sustained his torrid form, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, but not even his herculean efforts could lan Perpetual Help an outright semifinals slot.

Mike Nzeusseu added a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds for Lyceum, which posted its sixth win against 11 losses.

The Altas needed only a victory to assure themselves a ticket to the semis and join Final Four-bound squads Arellano University and San Beda.

Instead, they slid to 11-5 with Mapua (9-5) Jose Rizal U (9-7) not far behind.