Jaycee Marcelino. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Jaycee Marcelino showed the way as Lyceum booked a spot in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Finals with an 82-69 victory over San Sebastian in the crossover semifinals Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The reigning NCAA Rookie of the Year finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds to carry the Pirates to another win.
Cameroonian slotman Mike Nzeusseu contributed 13 markers and 15 boards, while MJ Ayaay got 12 points for Lyceum, which managed to advance despite playing its sixth game in seven days, including its stint in the PBA D-League under the banner of Zark’s Burger.
“For us, it’s about ‘yung perseverance and grit,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson. “This is our fourth game in four days and it really is going to take a lot to be mentally tough. We can’t find any excuse because we know the other team is also tired.”
Marcelino triggered the Pirates’ 33-17 outburst to turn a close 35-30 halftime advantage into a decisive 68-47 lead early in the fourth quarter and never look back.
The Pirates now await their date in the championship game between rival and NCAA champs San Beda and UAAP titlist Ateneo later in the day.
Ryan Costelo paced San Sebastian with 15 points.
The scores:
LYCEUM 82 — Jc. Marcelino 24, Nzeusseu 13, Ayaay 12, Perez 11, Ibanez 10, Tansingco 7, Caduyac 2, Jv. Marcelino 2, Cinco 0, Santos 0, Serrano 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 69 — Costelo 15, Capobres 12, Bulanadi 9, David 8, Navarro 6, Calisaan 5, Ilagan 5, Cosari 4, Baytan 3, Baetiong 2, Calma 0, Dela Cruz 0, Valdez 0, Mercado 0.
Quarters: 19-20, 35-30, 61-47, 82-69.