Behind so many unsung heroes, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates played beautiful basketball on Friday afternoon, eliminating neighbors Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights in convincing fashion, 109-85, to advance to the NCAA Season 94 Seniors Basketball Finals.
Having tasted defeat to the Knights 21 days ago in a narrow 79-80 loss, fourth-year Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson did something different for the game.
“They are a well-coached team. We had to made sure to have them out of their comfort zone. And we did it by bringing CJ off the bench,” disclosed Robinson. “What’s important for us is we have to dictate the tempo.”
Reigning Most Valuable Player CJ Perez had 19 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists, while fellow off-the-bench player Jaycee Marcelino added 15 markers.
With this, Lyceum were able to gain a lead that went to as high as 16 points in the first half before Letran came storming back.
“We will never be surprised if they catch up. What’s important for us is to stick to the agenda. The agenda is winning the game. We stuck to the purpose and we stuck together,” added Robinson.
Letran went on a 9-4 run capped by a Koy Galvelo three with 6:05 left in the third frame to give the Knights their first taste of the lead, 56-55. During that run, however, JP Calvo figured in a crash with Mike Nzeusseu that resulted in a high ankle sprain.
That’s when the Pirates went on a 15-0 surge to gain the lead for good. Back-to-back triples by Jaycee Marcelino and MJ Ayaay sparked the run, while Spencer Pretta heated up.
Nzeusseu had a monster outing with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and a block, while Ayaay chipped in 11 markers.
It was Lyceum’s shock troopers who were able to ride the wave of momentum, with Spencer Pretta picking up a career-high 15 points spiked by five triples. Jeff Santos had nine points and went a plus-14, while Nino Ibanez was a plus-12.
“These kids are really driven not only for the school but for everyone who supports us,” added Robinson.
Lyceum would lead by as much as 37 points in the game, 105-68, with 4:29 left.
This was the final collegiate game of Bong Quinto and Calvo. Quinto had 12 points, seven assists, and six rebounds while Calvo had nine points in just 19 minutes of game time.
Larry Muyang led Letran with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Lyceum will next face the winner of the San Beda-Perpetual series on Tuesday, November 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
LPU 109 — Nzeusseu 23, Perez 19, Marcelino JC 15, Pretta 15, Ayaay 11, Santos 9, Caduyac 8, Tansingco 3, Ibanez 2, Serrano 2, Yong 2, Cinco 0, Lumbao 0, Marcelino JV 0, Valdez 0
CSJL 85 — Muyang 21, Quinto 12, Fajarito 11, Taladua 10, Ambohot 9, Calvo 9, Batiller 6, Celis 4, Galvelo 3, Agbong 0, Mandreza 0, Yu 0, Pambid 0
Quarterscores: 29-16, 51-47, 81-64, 109-85
