CJ Perez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Lyceum ran roughshod of St. Benilde for an 83-69 victory Friday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
CJ Perez commandeered the fight for the Pirates as he scattered 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while MJ Ayaay got 12 markers, four boards, and two assists.
Cameroonian big man Mike Nzeusseu also chimed in a double-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in the win, as Lyceum remained unbeaten after 11 games.
“Every game, our mindset is we don’t look at the standings because we’re already battling our own race. It’s already about us at this point,” said deputy coach Jeff Perlas, who came in the press room for coach Topex Robinson.
Though the Pirates led by as high as 21, their 23 turnovers helped the Blazers catch up and trim the lead to just 14 to finish the game, something which Perlas raised as a remaining concern for the team.
“We’re far from being satisfied because of our turnovers. We have to take care of the ball. The effort of the team is always there, but we have to acknowledge that teams have started to catch up on us. We have to find a way to adjust to their adjustments,” he said.
Edward Dixon made the most of the extended garbage time and poured 19 of his 27 points in the second half, to go with five rebounds, while Clement Leutcheu got 13 markers and 20 boards in the defeat.
The Blazers suffered their fifth straight loss to go down to 2-9.
The Scores:
LYCEUM 83 – Perez 14, Ayaay 12, Nzeusseu 10, Caduyac 9, Pretta 9, Jc. Marcelino 7, Baltazar 7, Jv. Marcelino 6, Tansingco 5, Ibanez 2, Marata 2, Cinco 0, Liwag 0, Serrano 0.
ST. BENILDE 69 – Dixon 27, Leutcheu 13, Belgica 10, Domingo 6, Johnson 5, Sta. Maria 4, Castor 2, Naboa 2, Pili 0, San Juan 0.
Quarters: 23-10, 46-30, 66-53, 83-69.