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MJ Ayaay beat the buzzer to save the day for Zark’s Burger-Lyceum in a thrilling 108-106 overtime win over Perpetual Help Tuesday in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Pasig Sports Center.
Ayaay, the hardworking swingman was at the right place at the right time, converting a nice setup by CJ Perez and Reymar Caduyac, who found him open down low.
He finished with 10 points and seven rebounds for the Jawbreakers.
“The more minutes we play, it will just make us better. For us, any opportunity to learn, we’ll take it. It prepares us for the bigger picture,” said coach Topex Robinson as his side made sure to get the win in the extra period after squandering what was once a 16-point lead, 82-66 entering the fourth frame.
Ralph Tansingco paced Zark’s-Lyceum with 19 points built on four triples, together with three rebounds and two assists.
Mike Nzeusseu registered 16 markers and 16 boards, Perez added 14 points, three rebounds, three dimes, and three steals, and Jaycee Marcelino had 12 markers and seven boards off the bench.
Robinson isn’t worried with the Jawbreakers’ playoff positioning despite them being at a twice-to-win disadvantage in the quarters.
“Whether we end up at five or six, we’re gonna be ok,” he said.
Zark’s-Lyceum is currently in fifth place with a 7-4 card, but could drop to sixth if Gamboa-St. Clare beats AMA on Thursday.
It was a tough defeat for Perpetual, which drew 30 points, 22 rebounds, and three blocks from Prince Eze, including the overtime-forcing putback at the end of regulation.
Rey Anthony Peralta got 26 markers and eight boards, while Kim Aurin had 23 points, nine assists, and five rebounds in the losing cause for the Altas, which finished their campaign at 3-8.
The scores:
ZARK’S BURGER-LYCEUM 108 — Tansingco 19, Nzeusseu 16, Perez 14 Jc. Marcelino 12, Ayaay 10, Jv. Marcelino 8, Yong 7, Caduyac 5, Ibañez 5, Pretta 4, Serrano 4, Cinco 2, Marata 2, Baltazar 0.
PERPETUAL 106 — Eze 30, Peralta 26, Aurin 23, Pido 13, Coronel 9, Charcos 5, Mangalino 0, Pasia 0, Precillas 0, Tamayo 0, Tiburcio 0.
Quarters: 29-23, 57-45, 82-66, 95-95, 108-106.