For the first time in their young careers in Lyceum of the Philippines University, Jaycee Marcelino did not have twin brother and partner-in-crime Jayvee. And according to Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson, having the twins together at the same time is one of the biggest factors in the success of the Pirates during the last two years.
“Jayvee needs Jaycee and Jaycee needs Jayvee. They feed off each other,” said Robinson.
But after 32 games, Jaycee did not have Jayvee on his side.
Last Friday — during Lyceum’s 81-83 loss to the Perpetual Altas, Jayvee Marcelino was caught in a tough screen by burly big man Rommel Mangalino. He crashed hard into the screen and caught Mangalino’s elbow to the face. The result was a tough image to paint.
Marcelino crumpled down to the floor holding the left side of his face. He was bleeding profusely, sustaining a deep cut.
“Okay naman na siya nagpapagaling na lang kasi sariwa pa yung tahi niya. Kaso eight inches yung tahi,” shared Jaycee.
With Jayvee watching on the sidelines, Jaycee doubled his production, finishing with 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, and four steals to lead Lyceum’s 113-79 win over the Arellano Chiefs.
“Sinabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na magdodoble effort na lang ako sa loob ng court kasi wala yung kambal ko,” last season’s Rookie of the Year shared.
“Kami nga yung hinahanapan ng team ng energy pagpasok namin kaya dinoble ko na lang talaga yung effort at energy ko sa loob ng court para matulungan ko yung team.”
Still, he can’t wait to share the hardcourt with his brother once more.
“Siyempre, excited ako na makabalik siya para makasama ko ulit siya sa loob ng court.”
