Lucky 13: Lyceum clinches Final Four seat, remains unbeaten

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Lyceum continued on Thursday its historic run in NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament, clinching its first Final Four spot since joining the league in 2011.

The Pirates remained unscathed with their 13th straight victory as they hacked out a 94-83 victory over Perpetual at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“It’s really something that we are not accustomed to, but part of the journey is making it here,” said coach Topex Robinson.

CJ Perez scattered 21 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while Mike Nzeusseu tallied a double-double of 15 markers and 15 boards in the huge win.

Jayvee Marcelino added 15 points and four rebounds, while twin brother Jaycee Marcelino got 11 markers and three boards, including the game-sealing triple from the left corner with 41.5 seconds left to give Lyceum a 92-81 lead.

Robinson said that though the first bullet in the Pirates’ checklist has already been crossed, it’s still important for his side to sustain their groove coming into the postseason.

“We’ll just continue to be humble and blessed to be in this position,” he said.

Prince Eze carried Perpetual (4-8) with 26 points, 20 rebounds, and seven blocks, while Gab Dagangon had 17 markers and four boards in the loss.

The Scores:

LYCEUM 94 – Perez 21, Jv. Marcelino 15, Nzeusseu 15, Pretta 12, Jc. Marcelino 11, Ayaay 8, Caduyac 4, Cinco 3, Tansingco 3, Santos 2, Baltazar 0, Ibañez 0, Liwag 0.

PERPETUAL 83 – Eze 26, Dagangon 17, Sadiwa 13, Singontiko 9, Pido 8, Coronel 5, Ylagan 4, Cabiltes 1, Casas 0, Hao 0, Lucente 0, Mangalino 0, Tamayo 0, Yuhico 0.

Quarters: 16-19, 43-40, 67-63, 94-83.