CJ Perez-led Lyceum whips Letran for 2-0 start

CJ Perez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

CJ Perez and Lyceum continued to impress in the 2017 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup, this time, handing Letran a 99-90 beating Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The energetic swingman once again showed the way for the Pirates, unloading 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and a block to keep their team on top of Group A at 2-0.

Aside from Perez, the rest of the Pirates also did their part, with rookie Jayvee Marcelino nabbing 16 markers and two dimes.

Wilson Baltazar went 4-of-6 from threes to drop 14 points, MJ Ayaay had 13 markers, five boards, and four assists, and Jaycee Marcelino got 12 points.

“There’s no metric to where we are right now,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson. “What I always love about this team is we always share the ball. That goes both ways, offensively and defensively. The players are just being active and enjoying the game.”

The Pirates broke loose in the second half, with their 11-0 start igniting a 38-point third quarter, where they even led by as much as 21, 72-51, with four minutes left in the period.

Despite another promising outing, Robinson said the challenge for Lyceum is to keep working.

“We’re always trying to sharpen our saw. It’s always going to be constant teaching on my end so that the players won’t be complacent.”

Rey Nambatac topped Letran (0-2) with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Maui Bernabe got 16 markers and five boards in the losing effort.

The scores:

LYCEUM 99 – Perez 16, Jv. Marcelino 16, Baltazar 14, Ayaay 13, Jc. Marcelino 12, Nzeusseu 10, Ibanez 5, Santos 5, Tansingco 3, Pretta 3, Serrano 2, Marata 0, Liwag 0, Cinco 0, Pallares 0.

LETRAN 90 – Nambatac 21, Bernabe 16, Balanza 14, Quinto 8, Caralipio 8, Balagasay 7, Calvo 5, Pamulaklakin 4, Ambohot 3, Gedaria 2, Vacaro 2, Taladua 0, Villanueva 0, Mandreza 0.

Quarters: 22-16, 42-36, 80-64, 99-90.