Perez powers Pirates

CJ Perez gave everyone a little reminder why he was named last season’s MVP, coming up with a ferocious all-around performance to rally Lyceum past Arellano, 82-65, and stay undefeated in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Perez, the reigning MVP, erupted for 13 points in the fourth quarter and finished with a career-high 31 points as he helped the Pirates fight back from a 16-point deficit for their fourth straight win.

Perez also chipped in six rebounds, six assists and five steals to help keep the Pirates at the helm of the tournament with a perfect record.

Perez picked the right time to catch fire as Adamson had the Pirates backpedaling early. Arellano stormed to a fiery start and dug a 17-33 hole for Lyceum, before Perez and his teammates slowly chipped away at the lead.

Lyceum took a 58-54 lead entering the fourth before Perez took over to complete the 33-point turnaround.

“Arellano is really a dangerous team. We have to respect them. They really played well as a team,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson.

Reigning back-to-back champion San Beda kept in step with Lyceum after holding off St. Benilde, 75-69, in another game.

Robert Bolick also came through with a career effort with 25 points, 12 of which came in the final period that lifted the Lions to their second win in a row.

San Sebastian, meanwhile, edged Jose Rizal, 86-76.