Zark’s-Lyceum stuns Marinerong Pilipino in OT, gains 1-0 semis lead
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Zark’s Burger-Lyceum clawed its way from a 16-point deficit and hacked out a 90-87 overtime victory over Marinerong Pilipino to take a 1-0 lead in their 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals series Tuesday at Pasig Sports Center.
Mike Nzeusseu punctuated the come-from-behind win with an emphatic dunk for the marginal lead with 5.5 seconds left in the extra period.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Cameroonian big man fired 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and swatted two shots as the Jawbreakers moved one foot into the Finals.
Jaycee Marcelino also poured 20 markers on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting, on top of his three boards and three steals.
CJ Perez tried to take over at the end of regulation as he had seven of Zark’s-Lyceum’s last 10 points to end the fourth quarter. However, he muffed what could have been the game-winning freebies with 3.2 ticks left and needed a huge block from Jeric Serrano on Gab Banal in the ensuing possession to force overtime.
Article continues after this advertisementWilson Baltazar got all of his 15 markers from his five treys, while Jayvee Marcelino had 10 points, two rebounds, and two steals in the triumph.
“Again, I don’t know how they do it, but these guys just don’t know how to quit,” remarked coach Topex Robinson as the Jawbreakers needed an uphill climb after trailing 38-54 early in the third quarter. “We just kept on persisting and they did not give up.”
Marinerong Pilipino had a chance to force a second overtime, but Joseph Terso’s triple in the waning seconds of the extra period went short as Zark’s-Lyceum escaped with the win.
Game 2 is on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Rian Ayonayon paced the Skippers with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Banal had 18 and nine in the defeat.
The Scores:
ZARK’S BURGER-LYCEUM 90 — Jc. Marcelino 20, Nzeusseu 20, Baltazar 15, Perez 14, Jv. Marcelino 10, Ayaay 6, Caduyac 4, Serrano 1, Cinco 0, Ibañez 0, Tansingco 0, Yong 0.
MARINERONG PILIPINO 87 — Ayonayon 22, Banal 18, Pasaol 12, Robles 11, Tratter 10, Toth 6, Babilonia 4, Iñigo 2, Terso 2, Eboña 0, Miranda 0, Tolentino 0.
Quarters: 23-20, 35-43, 59-65, 81-81, 90-87.
