Pirates keep slate spotless

CJ Perez poured a season-high 28 points as Lyceum dodged an upset with a gutsy 78-73 victory over San Sebastian Friday to extend its unbeaten start, while Jose Rizal U and Letran picked up crucial wins to boost their Final Four hopes in NCAA Season 93 at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Pirates struggled to put away the Stags, before Perez took over the offense, scoring nine points in the final period as Lyceum moved within three wins of an 18-game sweep of the elimination round.

“We really had to be mentally tough [for this game],” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson. “But for us, we just want to continue inspiring.”

The Heavy Bombers seized solo third spot after an 85-52 drubbing of the Perpetual Help Altas, while the Knights, coming off their worst loss in recent memory, vented their ire on the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 84-78.

With the victory, JRU improved to 8-6, while sending Perpetual to its ninth loss from 13 games. Letran also moved into Final Four range by climbing to 8-7, while EAC dropped to 6-9.

Despite the loss, San Sebastian remained in a strong position to enter the Final Four with Letran and JRU yet to face Lyceum in the second round.

“It’s going to be tough but our main goal is to reach the Final Four,” said Letran coach Jeff Napa. “It’s now up to us on how we can rise to the challenge.”

Bong Quinto exploded for a game-high 27 points, while Rey Nambatac added 19 and JP Calvo chipped in 16 points as the Knights took their frustrations out on the Generals, after their 31-point loss to the Stags last Tuesday.

“I had faith in the players that they would come out strong after that loss,” said Napa.

The Bombers got a huge lift from Mark Dela Virgen and Abdel Poutouchi as they arrested a three-game slide.

“We have to stay focused, we’re not yet in the Final Four and anything can happen,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.

The Pirates were made to sweat for win No. 15 as the Stags grabbed a 46-43 lead late in the third period, before MJ Ayaay and Perez sparked a 14-3 run.

Trailing 73-74, Lyceum held San Sebastian scoreless in the last two minutes as Mike Nzeusseu and Jaycee Marcelino combined for the next four points to preserve the victory.