Nearly an hour after Lyceum’s 107-105 double overtime win over the San Beda Red Lions that earned the Pirates their first-ever ticket to the Finals, the majority of the Lyceans that packed the Filoil Flying V Centre gathered outside of the arena. Once Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino came out, the crowded exploded with cheers then a song, serenading the two with a Happy Birthday.
This would not have been possible if the two had not decided to transfer to Lyceum of the Philippines University two years ago.
The twins have been pivotal in the turnaround of the Lyceum basketball program. But their showdown with San Beda on Thursday afternoon was the game that the entire season has been building towards. The Lyceum faithful made sure to be there for this moment.
“Masarap sa pakiramdam kasi yung suporta, ramdam mo. Di sila bumibitaw kaya di rin kami bumibitaw eh. Gusto namin talaga kunin yung panalo para sa crowd,” shared Jaycee.
Forty minutes were not enough for the epic showdown, as the tilt went to two overtimes. But after the dust had settled, the Pirates were not to be denied a perfect season as they outlasted the Red Lions, 107-105.
“First time nangyari sa buhay ko ito eh. Yung nalalaban naming championship, ligang labas lang. Eto, yung pinapangarap namin na big league na,” added Jayvee.
“Siyempre kahit anong mangyari, di kami susuko kasi nandiyan yung mga Lyceans, yung fans ng LPU, yung family.”
And the win was the best birthday present they received, according to the two, who are celebrating their 20th birthday.
“Ito na yung wish namin, makuha yung panalo para makapasok ng championship. Iba pala sa feeling yung ganoon,” said Jaycee.
But the twins can’t wait to mark another first in their young careers: playing at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum and turning their streak to 20-0.
