Two formers Stags led the Lyceum Pirates to a come-from-behind over San Sebastian College-Recoletors, 80-69, Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Down by as much as 13 points, the rallied back early in the final frame. Former Stag Jayson David knocked down a triple that sliced the lead down to just two while Reymar Caduyac followed it up with the game-tying bucket.
Jaycee Marcelino, Jayvee Marcelino, and another former Stag in Renzo Navarro contributed in the run with Navarro knocking down a triple to give Lyceum a 74-66 cushion.
Navarro had 11 points while David added 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
“I really admire these two players. We were not out there to play for ourselves. Yes, they came from San Sebastian but it was not about them versus San Sebastian. It was Lyceum versus San Sebastian,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson.
“Renzo was struggling the past few games but we are thankful to have him. Same with Jayson,” he added.
Allyn Bulanadi tried to stop the bleeding but Lyceum continued its surge to close out the game.
“Again, we all know coming into the game that we are not out there beat San Sebastian. We are out there to play our best,” Robinson shared. “We just kept on playing and making shots. We were just lucky that San Sebastian was missing shots.”
Jayvee Marcelino had 12 points while twin brother Jaycee added 11 markers to help Lyceum go to 3-1.
Mike Nzeusseu also returned to Lyceum after missing their first three games due to a dislocated finger, finishing with six points and six rebounds in just 24 minutes of game time.
Bulanadi had 13 points and six boards for the Stags, who suffered their first loss.
RK Ilagan, who averaged 22.5 points per game before this, was held scoreless in 25 minutes of gametime. Stepping up for him was Ramil Tero who had 12 markers.
Lyceum will next face the streaking JRU Heavy Bombers on Friday, July 26 at 2:00 pm while San Sebastian takes on San Beda earlier in the day.
The Scores:
LPU 80 – Marcelino JV 12, Marcelino JC 11, Navarro 11, Valdez 11, David 10, Caduyac 7, Nzeusseu 6, Tansingco 5, Santos 3, Ibanez 2, Pretta 2, Yong 0
SSC-R 69 – Bulanadi 13, Tero 12, Altamirano 10, Calahat 8, Villapando 7, Sumoda 6, Dela Cruz 5, Calma 4, Capobres 2, Desoyo 2, Ilagan 0, Cosari 0
Quarterscores: 15-13, 30-36, 52-59, 80-69
