Against a team that was playing better than its record, Lyceum needed every bit it could muster from its MVP, its twin-engine booster and its defense before emerging unscathed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
CJ Perez came through as usual, the Marcelino twins provided bursts of energy and the Pirates clamped down on the San Sebastian Stags for an 88-70 rout Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Pirates tore away at the start of the fourth, holding down San Sebastian to just 11 points there while uncorking 23 of their own to keep their hold of the top spot.
“Big win for us because before this game, we reminded ourselves that this team is playing like a Final Four team even though they’re at 10th place,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson.
More importantly, Lyceum’s win kept it ahead of a hard-chasing defending champion San Beda, which kept its place right behind the Pirates after a 73-45 rout of hapless Jose Rizal U in the other game.
Robert Bolick led the Lions with 14 points as they won their ninth game in 10 outings, just a game off the 10-0 Pirates.
Perez, the reigning league MVP, responded to the challenge, knocking down 21 points and got ample support from the Marcelino twins with Jaycee pouring 17 and Jayvee adding 14 to Lyceum’s cause.