MANILA, Philippines–Wonder twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino proved to be the catalyst that Lyceum needed as the Pirates continued their winning ways in a hard-fought 77-71 victory over the Mapua Cardinals in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.
The Marcelino siblings combined for 24 points and had three steals, all of them in a crucial stretch in the fourth when the Cardinals threatened to steal the game away.
Mike Nzeusseu likewise controlled paint for the Pirates throughout as the Lyceum pivotman was just too big, too powerful for the Cardinals, whose defeat sent them a notch lower in the standings at fifth with a 7-7 record.
The Pirates, losing finalists the past two seasons, moved within a game away from clinching a third straight Final Four appearance.
LYCEUM 77—Jc. Marcelino 14, Nzeusseu 13, Jv. Marcelino 10, Remulla 8, Pretta 8, Caduyac 7, Navarro 6, Ibanez 4, Tansingco 3, Yong 2, Valdez 2, Santos 0.
MAPUA 71—Serrano 17, Bonifacio 15, Victoria 9, Lugo 7, Gamboa 7, Bunag 4, Gonzales 3, Nieles 3, Aguirre 3, Garcia 3, Nocum 0, Salenga 0, Jabel 0.
Quarters: 13-19, 36-33, 55-46, 77-71.