CJ Perez rescued the Zark’s-Lyceum Jawbreakers in the clutch to stay alive in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup quarterfinals with a thrilling 104-95 victory over the Centro Escolar University Scorpions, Tuesday evening at the Pasig Sports Center.
The reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player poured 11 straight points in the fourth quarter to swing an 88-90 deficit to a commanding 99-92 advantage with 1:41 remaining, as the Jawbreakers forced a do-or-die game against the Scorpions on Thursday.
Perez wound up with 26 points on top of his five rebounds, five assists, and two steals for Zark’s Lyceum.
“If CJ missed those shots, we might’ve lost the game, but that’s CJ for us. He’s gonna win games, he’s gonna lose games,” said coach Topex Robinson. “Luckily for us today, he was on his rhythm and they really wanted to win.”
It wasn’t all Perez, as Mike Nzeusseu also corralled 28 markers, 12 boards, and two blocks for the Jawbreakers.
Jaycee Marcelino added 16 points and six rebounds, while twin brother Jayvee Marcelino got 11 markers, four dimes, and three boards, as Zark’s-Lyceum held strong despite losing an 18-point advantage, 49-31, in the first half.
Robinson now has his sights set on Game 2, where the winner will face second seed Marinerong Pilipino in the best-of-three semifinals.
“We know that they’re gonna bounce back. We know they’re champions and they have the experience. There’s no reason for us to celebrate. We’ll make adjustments for Thursday,” he said.
Returning from a back injury, Rod Ebondo led CEU with 32 points and 25 rebounds in the defeat.
The Scores:
Zark’s-Lyceum 104 — Nzeusseu 28, Perez 26, Jc. Marcelino 16, Jv. Marcelino 11, Ayaay 10, Ibañez 5, Caduyac 3, Tansingco 3, Pretta 2, Cinco 0, Serrano 0.
CEU 95 — Ebondo 32, Fuentes 14, Aquino 12, Manlangit 9, Chan 7, Wamar 7, Cruz 6, Arim 5, Caballero 3, Guinitaran 0, Intic 0, Saber 0, Veron 0.
Quarterscores: 32-21, 62-55, 75-79, 104-95.
