Lyceum sweeps first round

Much like most of its first-round games, Lyceum looked in a rush to blow out its opponent.

The Pirates once again brandished their firepower early en route to a 97-74 drubbing of the Mapua Cardinals to complete a first-round sweep of the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan on Friday.

CJ Perez led the early assault on his way to 18 points, but more than anything, coach Topex Robinson was delighted at the way the rest of the squad delivered for the Pirates’ ninth victory.

“The beauty with this team is that we are 13 to 14-man deep,” said Robinson. “It’s always going to be about collective improvement and success.”

The loss sent the Cardinals to last place. They wrap up the first round against the Jose Rizal U Bombers on Tuesday.

Earlier, Arellano unveiled a gem of a rookie in Levi Dela Cruz as the Chiefs overcame the St. Benilde Blazers, 87-81, for just their third win in eight games.

Stepping up for the struggling Kent Salado, Dela Cruz shot 24 points, including four triples.

Meanwhile, Emilio Aguinaldo College proved steadier down the stretch as it subdued Perpetual Help, 61-57.