Lyceum’s Perez a thorn to former squad; San Beda, Jose Rizal turn back foes

CJ Perez tormented his former team with another all-around effort as Lyceum kept its poise down the stretch anew for a 78-73 victory over San Sebastian Friday night to stay unbeaten in NCAA Season 93 at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Perez, who played two seasons for the Stags before departing for Ateneo three years ago, finished with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists, but the Pirates needed a strong finishing kick anchored by MJ Ayaay and Reymar Caduyac to extend their unbeaten start to three games.

“I was really looking forward to the game and the physicality,” said Perez. “What’s important is we were able to get the win.”

Ayaay had 17 points, including nine in the fourth period, while Caduyac nailed a layup that gave the Pirates breathing room, 77-70, with 26 seconds remaining. Perez actually pushed the Pirates ahead, 70-59, with a triple midway in the final period, before the Stags cut the deficit, 72-70.

“I guess it’s our perseverance and grit, we were just not giving up,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson. “That was a tough game, they really gave us a run for our money, happy we got the win.”

Earlier, Jomari Presbitero sparkled as San Beda notched back-to-back wins at the expense of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 81-69, while Jose Rizal U, getting a lift from Jed Mendoza, put the clamps on Letran for a 65-62 victory, ending a two-game slide.

The Red Lions improved to 3-1.