Figuring in a tightly-contested contest, Mike Nzeusseu played the role of hero as the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates survived the University of Perpetual Help DALTA Altas on the road, 87-85, Thursday evening.
Nzeusseu, who is in his final year of duty with Lyceum, converted on a nifty pass by Jayson David with .7 ticks left for the go-ahead basket.
“Jayson could easily take the shot and be the hero, but that’s what special about this team, everybody’s just trying tp make everybody look good. They trust each other,” shared Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson.
On the other end, Jayvee Marcelino swatted away Edgar Charcos’ attempt from deep to seal Lyceum’s fifth win in sixth outings.
Nzeusseu tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds while Jayvee Marcelino tallied nine points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block.
“We have to give credit to Perps for showing school pride with the way they played. They could easily give us the game but it was a very inspiring game for both teams but give credit for coaches and players,” said Robinson as Perpetual rallied from 10 down early in the final frame.
Jef Egan sparked Perpetual’s late rally capped by a triple from Ben Adamos with 4:01 left to cut the lead down to a solitary point, 80-81.
Nzeusseu and Jaycee Marcelino were able to stop the bleeding but Edgar Charcos and Jefner Egan gave the Altas one last push, tying the game at 85-all with 2:06 left.
That set up Nzeusseu’s heroics.
Reymar Caduyac and Jaycee Marcelino had 14 and 13 points respectively with the two combining for 12 boards and eight dimes.
Charcos led the way for Perpetual, who fell to 2-4, with 16 points. Adamos added 15 points while Egan and Jielo Razon chipped in 13 markers each.
Lyceum will have an eight-day break before facing the CSB Blazers on Friday, August 14 at 4:00 pm. Perpetual will next face the San Beda Red Lions on Thursday, August 13 at 4:00 pm.
The Scores:
LPU 87 – Nzeusseu 18, Caduyac 14, Marcelino JC 14, Marcelino JV 9, Tansingco 8, Valdez 8, David 7, Santos 5, Navarro 3, Guinto 2, Ibanez 0, Yong 0, Pretta 0, Remulla 0
UPHSD 85 – Charcos 16, Adamos 155, Razon 13, Egan 13, Aurin 7, Peralta 6, Barasi 4, Tamayo 3, Martel 2, Cuevas 2, Lanoy 2, Sevilla 2, Giussani 0
Quarterscores: 25-16, 43-37, 74-61, 87-85
