The biggest turnaround in the 10-team era of the NCAA continued Thursday afternoon as the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates broke away from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas late to take a 94-83 win at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
And after finishing ninth in last season’s tournament, Lyceum upped its record to 13-0, securing the first Final Four berth in the 93rd Season of the NCAA Seniors Basketball Tournament and raised its win total to eight games higher than last year.
“It’s really something that we are not accustomed to but part of the journey is making it here,” said third-year Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson.
Helping in this role reversal for the Pirates is transferee CJ Perez. The utility forward finished with 21 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
Moreover, he and MJ Ayaay helped stifle leading MVP candidate Prince Eze early in the final frame.
“We have to counter their height because Eze is there,” shared Robinson. “Good thing it paid good dividends sa amin. It’s just a blessing to have these players because you don’t need to coach them.”
The two forced Eze to commit a comedy of errors that helped Lyceum gain an 83-70 lead with 4:21 left in the game. Eze though was able to make up for it sparking an 11-2 rally capped by a Keith Pido basket with 2:08 left to slice the lead to just four, 85-81.
It was the last stand Perpetual had though as Perez took charge, scoring on a powerful drive and followed it with a drive and dish to Jaycee Marcelino for the corner three to seal the win.
The Marcelino twins combined for 26 points with Jayvee going 5-for-8 from the field while Jaycee shooting at a high 50 percent clip for 11 markers.
“It’s their strength, kahit ako naguguluhan kapag nandun yung dalawa. They always give us the opportunity that we need and their just taking advantage of the opportunity given to them,” Robinson said about his prized recruits.
Mike Nzeusseu finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds while Spencer Ayaay added 12 markers off the bench.
Prince Eze had a monster outing with 26 points, 20 rebounds, and seven blocks for Perpetual, a team that dropped to 4-8 in the standings.
Gab Dagangon added 17 markers.
Lyceum defends its streak on Tuesday, September 26 when it faces the EAC Generals at 4:00pm. Perpetual, on the other hand, will have a week off before taking on the JRU Heavy Bombers on Friday, September 29 at 12:00nn.
The Scores:
LPU 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.
UPHSD 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.
Quarterscores: 16-19, 43-40, 67-63, 94-83.
