MANILA, Philippines–Mike Nzeusseu rediscovered his lethal form while shooting guard Ralph Tansingco showed up for the Lyceum Pirates to crush the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, 95-77, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Arena in San Juan.
After the Pirates built a 51-27 lead at half time, it was just a matter of going through the motions of winning with twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, Reymar Caduyac, Jayson David and peppery guard Renz Navarro leaving no room for doubt.
The Pirates sustained the leverage until the end to pick up their fourth win in five games that allowed coach Topex Robinson to explore his bench as Nzeussue, recuperating from an injury, took over with 13 points along with Tansingco.
John Anthony Amores almost singlehandedly carried the fight with 23 points for the Heavy Bombers, whose two-game streak got halted as they fell to 2-3.
The Scores
LYCEUM 95 — Nzeusseu 13, Tansingco 13, Ibanez 11, Valdez 11, Caduyac 8, Jv. Marcelino 7, David 7, Pretty 6, Navarro 6, Laurente 6, Yong 4, Santos 2, Guinto 1.
JRU 77 — Amores 23, Miranda 13, Delos Santos 9, Dionisio 6, Aguilar 6, Vasquez 6, Steinl 4, Jungco 4, Dela Rosa 3, Abaoag 2, Arenal 1.
Quarters: 31-19, 51-27, 75-49, 95-77.