Lyceum heads into the NCAA Season 94 with another championship under its belt.
This time, the Pirates left no doubts about winning the 2018 Milcu Sports Basketball presented by Got Skills Summer Showcase by dominating Intramuros rivals Letran Knights, 81-69, last Thursday at the Trinity University Gym in Quezon City.
Cameroonian student-athlete Mike Nzeusseu was well-deserving of his Finals Most Valuable Player, as he was the engine that drove Lyceum with 18 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.
CJ Perez was there to back him up with 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Marcelino twins Jaycee and Jayvee combined for 22 markers, 14 boards, five dishes, and five steals.
It was the battle-hardened core of the Pirates that fronted their third quarter breakaway, increasing a five-point halftime lead to a 61-49 advantage entering the final frame.
The Knights – who for the most part trotted out Team B players – were unable to recover.
Lyceum can now add the 2018 Summer Showcase trophy to their title collection that already includes the 2018 Philippine Collegiate Champions League and the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.
For coach Jeff Perlas, who called the shots in place of Topex Robinson, this latest championship only ups their confidence as they try again to win it all in the NCAA.
“Definitely, this is a big morale booster for us. Every championship we won is part of the learnings leading to NCAA,” said Perlas. “Success is a series of small wins.”
Coy Galvelo topped the scoring column for Letran, the top-seed after the elimination round, with 18 points. King Caralipio chipped in 16 markers.
The Scores:
LPU 81 – Nzeusseu 18, Perez 14, Marcelino JC 12, Marcelino JV 10, Ayaay 8, Caduyac 5, Pretta 4, Serrano 4, Tansingco 2, Ibanez 2, Lumbao 2, Cinco 0, Yong 0, Santos 0
CSJL 69 – Galvelo 18, Caralipio 16, Pambid 8, Agbong 7, Domingo 6, Pascual 3, Pamulaklakin 2, Sangalang 2, Reyson 2, Mina 2, Ular 2, Celiz 1
Quarterscores: 20-18, 44-39, 61-49, 81-69
