Lyceum crushes Arellano for 4-0 start in NCAA

Jaycee Marcelino. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Continuing its dream streak this NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament, Lyceum coasted to a 99-65 thumping of Arellano to stay unscathed Tuesday in the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

It was a complete domination for the Pirates as this season’s dark horses showed no mercy against last year’s runner-up,  pulling away from the Chiefs, 63-49, in the third quarter before pushing the lead to as high as 35, 99-64, late in the game.

CJ Perez once again imposed his might, racking 16 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, but this time, he allowed his teammates to also flourish in the spotlight.

Jaycee Marcelino fired 13 markers, six boards, and two dimes, MJ Ayaay went on a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc to wound up with 13 points and nine rebounds, and Ralph Tansingco also had 13 markers and five boards in the win.

Lyceum also matched its longest winning streak at four, equaling the feat set under coach Bonnie Tan in 2013.

Still, coach Topex Robinson downplayed the win, saying that his players simply manned up to the task on a night when with Arellano fired blanks.

“We just caught them in a bad afternoon and we took advantage. The players were playing well and they’re up to the challenge,” he said.

Zach Nicholls topscored for the Chiefs with 12 points on a paltry 4-of-11 shooting from the field, while Kent Salado was limited to 11 markers, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the defeat.

The Scores:

LYCEUM 99 – Perez 16, Jc. Marcelino 13, Ayaay 13, Tansingco 13, Nzeusseu 8, Ibanez 8, Jv. Marcelino 8, Caduyac 6, Serrano 5, Pretta 3, Marata 2, Baltazar 2, Liwag 2, Santos 0.

ARELLANO 65 – Nicholls 12, Salado 11, Concepcion 9, Canete 7, Meca 6, Alcoriza 5, Dela Cruz 4, Enriquez 4, Flores 3, Ongolo Ongolo 2, Rivera 2, Abanes 0, Taywan 0, Villoria 0, Padilla 0.

Quarters: 20-11, 40-30, 63-49, 99-65.