The Zark’s Burger-Lyceum Jawbreakers finally put an end to their three-game slump, holding off the Go for Gold Scratchers, 108-94, Monday afternoon at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
CJ Perez poured 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals to spearhead the Jawbreakers, while Cameroonian Mike Nzeusseu tallied a double-double in the tune of his 21 markers, 11 boards, and three dimes.
MJ Ayaay contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Jaycee Marcelino added 15 markers, six of which came in the fourth quarter, where Zark’s-Lyceum put down Go for Gold for good.
The Jawbreakers lost hold of a 27-point lead, 81-54 with 3:04 remaining in the third quarter, before Matt Salem waxed hot for the Scratchers, helping his side cut the lead down to eight, 91-83, at the 5:35 mark of the fourth.
But that was when twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino went to work, scoring six straight points to give Zark’s-Lyceum a 14-point lead, 97-83, before Ayaay put on the finishing touches late.
“Nawala yung joy sa laro namin,” said coach Topex Robinson, as the Jawbreakers remain alive and in playoff contention at 5-4. “Joy means that you’ll make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. I just let them play today.
“Again, we’re happy that we got back in our winning ways. We just have to play our game, nothing is gonna change. What’s important is we learn from our mistakes and try to get better all the time,” the former PBA pro added.
Salem uncorked 24 points powered by six triples, while also grabbing six rebounds, while Yankie Haruna just missed out on a double-double with his 22 markers and nine rebounds.
Go for Gold bowed for the third straight time and dropped to a 4-6 card.
The Scores:
Zark’s-Lyceum 108 — Perez 23, Nzeusseu 21, Ayaay 16, Jc. Marcelino 15, Pretta 9, Jv. Marcelino 8, Caduyac 6, Baltazar 3, Tansingco 3, Marata 2, Yong 2, Ibañez 0, Santos 0, Serrano 0.
Go for Gold 94 — Salem 24, Haruna 22, Leutcheu 12, Desiderio 8, Alejandro 7, Gaco 5, Naboa 5, Gutang 4, Dixon 3, Domingo 2, Ocampo 2, Pasturan 0.
Quarterscores: 36-23, 63-44, 83-66, 108-94.
