D-League: Zark’s-Lyceum bolsters playoff hopes, repulses JRU

PBA IMAGES

Mike Nzeusseu and CJ Perez came up big in the end game for Zark’s Burger-Lyceum as it strengthened its chances of advancing to the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup playoffs with a 91-81 victory over Jose Rizal University on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Cameroonian center and the reigning NCAA MVP took the baton in the fourth quarter as they accounted for 16 of the Jawbreakers’ 19 points to put the game away late.

Nzeusseu fired 10 of his 22 points in that final frame, while also grabbing 11 rebounds, even as Perez had 16 markers, five boards, and three assists.

Ralph Tansingco also contributed 11 points and five rebounds, while Rhanzelle Yong had all of his nine markers in the third quarter, spearheading Zark’s-Lyceum’s pullaway from JRU with a 12-2 spurt to grab a 66-54 advantage midway in the period.

“I guess we just got our groove back,” observed coach Topex Robinson. “The way I see the players now, they are more engaged. There was a burnout factor and we had to pay the price, but coming to the playoffs, I think we’re getting the drive once again.”

The Jawbreakers still had to fend off a late uprising from the Heavy Bombers, who cut the deficit down to as low as four, 74-70, before Nzeusseu and Perez put on the finishing touches late.

Zark’s-Lyceum moved up to fifth place in the standings at 6-4, while dropping lowly JRU back to earth at 1-8 for its eighth straight defeat.

Jeckster Apinan led the Heavy Bombers with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The Scores:

ZARK’S BURGER-LYCEUM 91 — Nzeusseu 22, Perez 16, Tansingco 11, Yong 9, Ayaay 7, Jc. Marcelino 5, Ibañez 4, Jc. Marcelino 4, Pretta 3, Santos 3, Caduyac 2, Marata 2, Serrano 2, Baltazar 1.

JRU 81 — Apinan 20, Dela Virgen 15, Porter 14, Mendoza 10, Esguerra 5, Bordon 4, Grospe 4, Yu 3, Sawat 2, Guzman 1, Silvarez 0.

Quarters: 23-20, 47-43, 72-60, 91-81.