Showing their fine form, the Lyceum Pirates survived a late flurry by Justin Serrano and the Mapua Cardinals, taking a 77-71 victory, Tuesday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
“That’s a really scary team. They’re coming off four straight wins and they’re a well-coached team,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson. “We just sustained our energy. We tried to stay composed, especially down the stretch.”
The Marcelino twins stepped up in the final frame to power Lyceum to an 11-3 slate. The Pirates also keep solo second in the NCAA Season 95 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
Tied at 62-all, the twins went toe-to-toe with the Cardinals to gain a 70-65 lead. The rest of the Pirates followed suit with Mike Nzeusseu, Nino Ibanez, and Reymar Caduyac scoring key baskets in Lyceum’s 13-2 run to stop the Cardinals and gain a 77-67 edge with a minute left.
Jaycee Marcelino had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Jayvee added 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
“We’re always gonna take those small wins. It’s very important how we sustain and be better versions of ourselves. We always talk about [how] sky’s the limit as long as we’re clear with our intention and our purpose,” said Robinson.
Mike Nzeusseu added 13 points and 13 rebounds, as all but Jeff Santos scored for the Pirates.
Mapua saw their four-game winning streak snapped to fall to 7-7.
Justin Serrano scored 14 of his 17 points in the final frame, as Mapua rallied back from a 13-point deficit before Lyceum took charge in the end.
Warren Bonifacio added seven rebounds.
Lyceum look to continue their streak when they take on the EAC Generals on Friday. Mapua face the San Beda Red Lions on the same day.
The Scores:
LPU 77 — Jc. Marcelino 14, Nzeusseu 13, Jv. Marcelino 10, Remulla 8, Pretta 8, Caduyac 7, Navarro 6, Ibanez 4, Tansingco 3, Yong 2, Valdez 2, Santos 0.
MU 71 — Serrano 17, Bonifacio 15, Victoria 9, Lugo 7, Gamboa 7, Bunag 4, Gonzales 3, Nieles 3, Aguirre 3, Garcia 3, Nocum 0, Salenga 0, Jabel 0.
Quarterscores: 13-19, 36-33, 55-46, 77-71.
