Lyceum star CJ Perez (left) and Perpetual’s Flash Sadiwa are left suspended in midair during a loose ball scramble. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Make no mistake about it, Lyceum is far from satisfied from just clinching a Final Four berth in NCAA Season 93.
Pirates coach Topex Robinson immediately set loftier goals for his team after a 94-83 whipping of Perpetual Help secured a first postseason appearance on Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“If we’re goal-oriented, our goal is not just to make it to the Final Four but we have to go beyond that,” said Robinson, after the Pirates extended their historic run to 13 games.
“It (making history) is really important to us, but if we could go further, I guess that’s what we’re aiming for. Again, you cannot be fat and happy just making it to the Final Four.”
Later, San Sebastian continued its Final Four push with a 73-61 drubbing of St. Benilde to forge a three-team tie for fourth spot.
Renzo Navarro fired 16 points, while Michael Calisaan chipped in 11 points as the Stags improved to 6-6, tying Letran and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
“I guess the boys really want to be in this position, contending for a Final Four (spot),” said San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya. “Hopefully, everybody will step up so that we’ll have a better chance.”
Perpetual Help dropped to 4-8, sharing seventh spot with Arellano, while St. Benilde moved to the brink of early elimination by slipping to a 3-10 card.
The Pirates needed a late push to hold off the Altas, who once again drew a big game from Prince Eze, who had 26 points and 20 rebounds.
Mike Nzeusseu, CJ Perez and JC Marcelino combined in a strong finishing kick that boosted the Pirates to a first Final Four appearance with five games to spare.
Perez sizzled for 21 points, while Nzeusseu added 15 points to match JV Marcelino’s output and Spencer Pretta came off the bench to chip in 12 points, all from three-pointers.
The Pirates still have their work cut out for them if they want to sweep their remaining matches that will actually guarantee a finals berth along with a thrice-to-beat bonus in the championship round.