Lyceum rallies to keep slate clean

In a season filled with impressive performances, Lyceum’s latest victory Friday could just be the finest one yet.

The Pirates came storming back from a late 13-point deficit to stun the Arellano Chiefs, 94-92, and extend their unbeaten start to 12 games in NCAA Season 93 basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Given up for dead after trailing, 74-87, with 4:18 left, the Pirates turned the game around with a combination of stellar defense and individual offensive brilliance from their veterans, leaving the Chiefs baffled over what had gone wrong.

For Lyceum coach Topex Robinson, these types of victories will go a long way in their bid for a first championship since joining the league in 2009.

“Arellano was the better team this afternoon, but again, we just kept playing,” said Robinson. “We just grinded it out with them. I just told them (players) that I really trust them.”

MJ Ayaay fired 20 points, including five straight late in the game, and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Mike Nzeusseu added 15 points and 11 boards as the Pirates flashed another balanced game that saw five players scoring in twin digits.

San Beda picked up a 10th straight victory at the expense of San Sebastian, 76-65, while St. Benilde kept its flickering Final Four hopes alive with a convincing 83-55 win over a surprisingly listless Perpetual Help squad.

Jayvee Mocon and Davon Potts powered the Red Lions, combining for 33 points as the defending champions stayed within the coattails of the Pirates with an 11-1 record.

The Blazers, who got 21 points from Eduard Dixon, raised their record to 3-9.

Both Perpetual and Arellano failed to notch a share of fourth spot and dropped to a tie for seventh with 4-7 records.

San Sebastian also blew its chance to grab solo fourth, dropping to 5-6 in a tie for fourth with Letran and Emilio Aguinaldo College.