Lyceum holds off San Sebastian in season opener

Mike Nzeusseu. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Lyceum started off its campaign on a good note after finishing off San Sebastian, 85-80, in its opening game in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Mike Harry Nzeusseu put up a 23-point, 20-rebound double-double to lead the Pirates in their opening win.

The Pirates were in a pinch at the start of the fourth quarter after the Stags came away with four straight steals to on a 9-1 run to take a 69-68 lead in the period.

Allyn Bulanadi then gave the Stags a 75-74 lead with another transition basket but that was San Sebastian’s final taste of momentum as the Pirates methodically fought back.

Spencer Pretta’s three-pointer gave Lyceum an 82-77 lead with 2:10 left in the game before MJ Ayaay’s baseline floater with 28.3 seconds remaining in the fourth becoming the game’s final field goal.

“It was kind of ugly but we’re going to take the bad with the good, it’s as if we gave San Sebasitan a Christmas treat,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson. “We found a way to get a win, and we couldn’t be any happier than that.”

CJ Perez filled the stat sheets for the Pirates finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, and five steals while Jaycee Marcelino added 13 points, six boards, and four dimes.

Regille Ilagan had 18 points to pace the Stags while Michael Calisaan had 12 points and 12 boards.