CJ Perez Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Lyceum pounced on a hapless Arellano, 113-79, to bounce back from its first loss of the year in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Pirates, who lost to University of Perpetual Help, 83-81, off a Prince Eze buzzer beater last week, got to a 13-1 record to assure themselves of at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.
There wasn’t much of a match to begin as the Pirates immediately raced to a 54-38 lead heading into the break and never looked back.
“It’s a big opportunity for us to get better and that was a good win for us,” said Pirates head coach Topex Robinson.
Jaycee Marcelino, who played without twin brother Jayvee for the first time this season, led Lyceum with 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, and four steals while MJ Ayaay had 16 points and five rebounds.
Jayvee is recovering from his nose injury that he suffered during the game against the Altas on Friday the previous week.
Spencer Pretta added 15 points, on 5-of-10 shooting from deep, while CJ Perez missed out on a triple-double finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Archie Concepcion had 16 points for the 4-9 Chiefs while Michael Canete had a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double.
Lyceum’s 81 bench points and 27 assists are both season-high marks for the Pirates.