Lyceum evades Letran upset to go 16-0

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Lyceum emphatically denied Letran’s upset bid with an 81-69 victory to stay undefeated through 16 games in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Coming off his career-best showing against San Sebastian last week, CJ Perez was once again stellar in the win, unleashing 10 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, to go with three rebounds, three assists, and three steals to keep the Pirates immaculate with two more games remaining in their eliminations schedule.

MJ Ayaay chipped in 12 markers and six boards, Mike Nzeusseu corralled a double-double with his 11 points and 13 rebounds, and Jayvee Marcelino got 11 markers, three boards, and two assists while linking up with his twin brother Jaycee for a bevy of impressive plays late in the game as Lyceum held off the hungry Knights.

“Again, it’s really fun to watch if you see our players having fun: having fun playing their hearts out and having fun honoring the game. It’s the inspiration that’s really been there,” said coach Topex Robinson.

The youthful mentor admitted that there were times in the game where he felt that the Pirates would falter after losing  a 16-point lead, 56-40, midway in the third quarter as the Letran reserves made a furious fightback and cut the deficit to five, 56-51, with less than three minutes remaining in the period.

“It’s a bit scary because they caught up, but we know that they’re just gonna keep on playing. That’s what makes this group of guys really special,” said Robinson.

Lyceum halted that rally behind Perez and Wilson Baltazar before the Marcelino twins weaved their magic in the fourth period to drub the Knights.

Letran fell to an even 8-8 slate but remained in fourth spot with two games left.

JP Calvo topscored for the Knights with 15 points and two assists, but failed to finish the game after suffering from cramps in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.

Bong Quinto missed out on a double-double with 13 markers and nine boards, while Rey Nambatac had 12 points and 15 rebounds in the defeat.

The Scores:

LYCEUM 81 – Perez 24, Ayaay 12, Nzeusseu 11, Jv. Marcelino 11, Santos 6, Jc. Marcelino 5, Caduyac 4, Baltazar 3, Liwag 3, Serrano 2, Ibanez 0, Tansingco 0, Cinco 0, Pretta 0, Marata 0.

LETRAN 69 – Calvo 15, Quinto 13, Nambatac 12, Balagasay 9, Ambohot 8, Taladua 5, Balanza 4, Gedaria 2, Mandreza 1, Vacaro 0, Bernabe 0, Caralipio 0.

Quarters: 29-20, 45-36, 64-54, 81-69.