Last season’s runners-up had a forgettable start. But CJ Perez took it upon himself to restore order.
Facing a 16-point lead early, the reigning NCAA Seniors Basketball Most Valuable Player took charge, lifting the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates past the upset-hungry Arellano University Chiefs, 82-65, Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Perez picked up his career-high, finishing with 31 points on 12-of-16 shooting. His previous career-best was 28 points when Lyceum defeated San Sebastian last September 29, 2017.
“CJ is really special. Actually when I took him out in the third quarter, he was surprised. I just took him out for a short talk and I just told him that he’s gonna make mistakes,” said Pirates head coach Topex Robinson.
“So he took out the pressure in him cause earlier he was kind of playing tentative. Medyo yung decision-making niya is bad. But you got to love the guy, you’re gonna trust him,” added the youthful mentor.
By the third frame, the Pirates were able to turn things around. And the momentum continued into the final frame.
Perez either scored or assisted on 36 of Lyceum’s points from the second frame to the final stanza. On the other hand, Lyceum’s defense limited the Chiefs to just 32 points in the final 30 minutes of the game after allowing 33 points in the first three quarters.
Mike Nzeusseu added 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks while MJ Ayaay chipped in 13 markers.
“Again, Arellano is really a dangerous team. I mentioned it to them earlier, during the pre-game huddle. We just have to make sure that we take control of the things na sa amin, which is the way we’re gonna react or respond to the challenge,” shared Robinson.
With the win, Lyceum is now 4-0 in the standings. Arellano dropped to an even 1-1. In addition, this is Lyceum’s 22nd straight elimination round win that dates back to the start of NCAA Season 93.
Michael Canete paced the Chiefs with 12 points and eight rebounds. Fomer Pirate Ian Alban was limited to just 11 points on 4-for-14 shooting.
Lyceum will gun for its 5th straight win when it faces Mapua Cardinals on Friday, July 27. Arellano, on the other hand, looks to bounce back on the same day against the San Sebastian Golden Stags.
The Scores:
LPU (82) – Perez 31, Nzeusseu 15, Ayaay 13, Marcelino JV 10, Serrano 4, Pretta 3, Caduyac 2, Cinco 2, Marcelino JC 2, Ibañez 0, Santos 0, Tansingco 0.
AU (65) – Cañete 12, Alban 11, Alcoriza 10, Villoria 9, Meca 6, Dela Cruz 4, Concepcion 4, Sera Josef 3, Codiñera 2, Ongolo Ongolo 2, Santos 2, Abdurasag 0, Dela Torre 0, Sacramento 0.
Quarterscores: 19-33; 37-41; 58-54; 82-65
