MANILA, Philippines–Lyceum finally put the lock on the No. 2 spot with another big game on Friday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.
But instead of feeling delighted, Lyceum coach Topex Robinson showed his disdain for officiating.
“I’m really frustrated with the way the calls have been made,’’ said Robinson after his Pirates prevailed over the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, 77-64, for their 13th win that cemented their position behind the unbeaten San Beda Red Lions going into the semifinal playoffs.
Robinson whined that Mike Nzeusseu, Lyceum’s 6-foot-7 brawny center, has been on the receiving end of brutish physicality from the teams that he claimed the referees just decided to turn a blind eye.
“We’ve sent video clips, they should see what they have done to Mike. He’s a level-headed import, but the officiating out there is trying to get into his head,’’ said Robinson.
“I hope it won’t affect the essence of the game. With this message, I hope officiating improves,’’ added Robinson.
Despite the non-calls on Nzeusseu, the Pirates again squeezed out the best from Jaycee Marcelino, who tallied 23 points that combined perfectly with Nzeusseu’s 15-point, 10-rebound effort.
John Delos Santos had 19 points and Ronnie Aguilar added 16 for the Bombers, whose free fall sent them to a 4-12 record.
The Pirates will wrap up the elimination round against the Red Lions on Thursday, their tormentors in the finals twice in a row.
“It’s a big game for us as we play for momentum going into the homestretch of the season,’’ said Robinson.
LPU 77—Marcelino Jc. 23, Nzeusseu 15, Tansingco 10, Caduyac 9, David 6, Santos 6, Marcelino Jv. 5, Ibanez 3, Navarro 0, Yong 0, Remulla 0.
JRU 64—Delos Santos 19, Aguilar 16, Miranda 10, Dela Rosa 9, Amores 6, Dionisio 2, Vasquez 2, Arenal 0, Jungco 0.
Quarters: 15-14, 43-33, 57-37, 77-64