Lyceum took Letran’s best punches and still walked away with its perfect record intact.
CJ Perez put on another offensive onslaught in the final period as the Pirates turned back the Knights, 81-69, on Friday to move within two games of an elimination round sweep in NCAA Season 93 at Filoil Flying V Centre.
Much as he has done for most of the season, Perez put the Pirates on his back when it mattered, scoring 10 of his 24 points in the last quarter as they secured a 16th straight victory.
“It’s really fun to watch if you see your players having fun, having fun playing their hearts out, and having fun honoring the game,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson.
“It’s the inspiration that’s really been there. It was a bit scary when Letran caught up but we know that they are just gonna keep on playing and that’s what makes this group of guys really special.”
Letran’s Final Four hopes are in peril as the Knights fell to 8-8.
The league’s top three teams actually got the job done with San Beda bundling out Emilio Aguinaldo College, 88-51, and Jose Rizal U hammering out a thrilling 60-58 victory over San Sebastian.
The Red Lions made it 13 wins in a row, while the Generals dropped out of the Final Four race after losing their 10th game of the season.
It was a crucial win for the Bombers as they not only enhanced their hopes of making the next round, but also dealt another Final Four contender a huge blow.