Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Lyceum welcomed the challenge and proved the hype was real, toppling San Beda, 96-91, in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
CJ Perez steered early season shocker, dropping seven of his 24 points in the fourth quarter while registering four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
Reymar Caduyac also fired 16 markers, five of which coming in the last 1:48 to hold off the Red Lions. He also netted seven assists and three boards in the win.
“To play against San Beda, it’s gonna take a lot of grit, a lot of perseverance, and never giving up,” said coach Topex Robinson. “But it’s not about me, but it’s about the players. We just kept on playing and we just kept on grinding.”
Mike Nzeusseu chipped in a double-double with his 18 points and 13 rebounds, while rookie Jaycee Marcelino nabbed 14 markers, six boards, two dimes, and two steals.
Lyceum’s defensive stance in the end game did the trick as it held San Beda without a field goal for the last 2:47 to break off from an 89-all deadlock before Javee Mocon drilled two freebies with 56.7 seconds remaining.
The Red Lions still had chances to close in on the Pirates, but AC Soberano and Robert Bolick botched point-blank shots in the final 20 seconds.
It was Lyceum’s first win over San Beda since NCAA Season 89, still under coach Bonnie Tan.
Robert Bolick paced San Beda with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Clint Doliguez added 19 markers and seven boards.
The Scores:
LYCEUM 96 – Perez 24, Nzeusseu 18, Caduyac 16, Jc. Marcelino 14, Baltazar 9, Jv. Marcelino 7, Ayaay 4, Tansingco 2, Liwag 2, Santos 0, Ibanez 0, Pretta 0, Cinco 0.
SAN BEDA 91 – Bolick 21, Doliguez 19, Soberano 12, Mocon 10, Noah 9, Presbitero 8, Potts 4, Bahio 4, Adamos 2, Tankoua 2, Carino 0, Tongco 0, Abuda 0.
Quarters: 24-18, 50-46, 73-75, 96-91.