Perez boosts Pirates bid for F4 bonus; Generals scrub off Chiefs

CJ Perez took charge on offense as Lyceum kept its relentless push for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four after crushing Mapua, 92-76, Tuesday night in the NCAA Season 94 basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The reigning Most Valuable Player pumped in 20 points and also dished out 11 assists, while Jaycee Marcelino continued his steady play with 14 points for the Pirates, who struck hardest in the middle quarters to jack up their record to 14-1.

The win guaranteed the Pirates of at least a playoff for a Final Four berth with three games remaining in their elimination round schedule.

After watching their 30-game elimination round winning run snapped by Perpetual Help two weeks ago, the Pirates have notched back-to-back wins to regain top spot.

“There are so many lessons from losing,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson. “I’m really happy to see my players find their groove. It’s going to be tough in our next three games but this game is a good preparation for us.”

The Pirates last three games are against Final Four contenders Letran, St. Benilde and defending champion San Beda.

Meanwhile, Emilio Aguinaldo College dragged Arellano out of the Final Four picture with a 78-70 triumph.

The Generals leaned on a huge performance from Jerome Garcia, who had 25 points, six rebounds and five assists as they bagged their fourth win in 15 games for ninth spot.

Garcia knocked in a triple with 90 seconds remaining to give the Generals a 75-66 cushion against an Arellano team that dropped to 4-10.