Lyceum coach Topex Robinson knew his Pirates would create a massive ripple in NCAA Season 93. He just didn’t expect it to come this early at the expense of defending champion San Beda.
Nonetheless, Robinson showed up for the post-game press conference a very proud man, after the Pirates withstood the Lions’ stellar outside shooting in a 96-91 triumph before a big Friday crowd at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
If there were doubts about the Pirates’ title credentials, they snuffed them out with a gritty performance that saw them absorb the Lions’ best punches, before showing composure down the stretch for their second straight victory.
Chants of “Viva Pirata” rung through the hallways of the arena as the Pirates celebrated a stunning upset for their first win over the Lions in four years.
“Again, we’re blessed to be here,” said Robinson. “To play against San Beda, it takes a lot of grit and perseverance. It was just about never giving up, but it’s not about me, it’s about the players.”
Earlier, Jose Rizal U, drawing 26 points from Tey Teodoro, notched its first victory with a 68-54 drubbing of Perpetual Help, while Emilio Aguinaldo College opened its season with an impressive 74-64 victory over St. Benilde.
The Pirates got solid contributions across the squad with CJ Perez once again spearheading the charge with 24 points. Mike Nzeusseu had 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Reymar Caduyac shot 16 points and dished out seven assists.
Doing most of the damage while Perez rested on the bench, Caduyac, a stocky guard, mustered enough energy to scoot past the San Beda defense for a lay-up with 63 seconds remaining to help seal the victory for the Pirates, 95-89.
Robert Bolick finished with 21 points for the Lions, but he lost steam in the end as the Pirates put the clamps on him in crunchtime. San Beda shot 13 of 26 from beyond the arc to stay within striking distance of Lyceum, which led by 12 points in the second period.
LYCEUM 96—Perez 24, Nzeusseu 18, Caduyac 16, Marcelino JC 14, Baltazar 9, Marcelino JV 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