After stunning the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on opening day, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates continued their surge, easily disposing their foils, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, 99-90, Wednesday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
CJ Perez, who missed the last three years due to numerous transfers that did not pan out, once again filled up the statsheet for the Pirates. He scored 16 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished six assists, and had a steal and a block.
“There’s no metric to where we are right now,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson. “What I always love about this team is we always share the ball. That goes both ways, offensively and defensively. The players are just being active and enjoying the game.”
Incoming rookie Jayvee Marcelino continued his stellar start to the tournament, dropping 16 points, while his twin brother Jaycee added 12 markers.
“We’re always trying to sharpen our saw. It’s always going to be constant teaching on my end so that the players won’t be complacent,” Robinson added as they are now on top of Group B with a 2-0 slate, tying the JRU Heavy Bombers.
A huge 11-0 Lyceum surge in the third frame paved the way for a 38-point third quarter. Lyceum led by as much as 21 points, 72-51, with 16 minutes left in the game.
Wilson Baltazar knocked down four triples to finish the game with 14 points and utility guard MJ Ayaay chipped in 13 markers.
Rey Nambatac led Letran with 21 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. Point guard Maui Barnabe added 16 points off the bench.
Lyceum look to make it three in a row when they face the De La Salle University Green Archers on Friday, May 19 at 5:00pm. Letran, on the other hand, continues their search for that elusive win on Sunday, May 21, when they face the Perpetual Altas.
The Scores:
LPU (99) – Perez 16, Marcelino JV. 16, Baltazar 14, Ayaay 13, Marcelino JC. 12, Nzeusseu 10, Ibanez 5, Santos 5, Tansingco 3, Pretta 3, Serrano 2, Marata 0, Liwag 0, Cinco 0, Pallares 0.
CSJL (90) – Nambatac 21, Bernabe 16, Balanza 14, Quinto 8, Caralipio 8, Balagasay 7, Calvo 5, Pamulaklakin 4, Ambohot 3, Gedaria 2, Vacaro 2, Taladua 0, Villanueva 0, Mandreza 0.
Quarterscores: 22-16, 42-36, 80-64, 99-90.
