Lyceum of the Philippines University gave its home fans something to be proud of by crushing visiting Manila Central University, 102-65, in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 on Monday, Feb. 26, at the University of Batangas gym in Batangas City.
Cheered on enthusiastically – even by UB fans – the Pirates broke away from a tight first-quarter contest with an avalanche of baskets that enabled them to outscore the Supremos, 34-18, for a commanding 51-32 halftime lead.
Ruthless, the Pirates pressed their attack and practically put their lead beyond the Supremos’ reach by extending it to 80-49 going into the final quarter, as even the team’s shock troopers made their shots.
Host UB was not fortunate as it absorbed a 77-68 defeat to defending champion Centro Escolar University, which took the solo lead after rising to 8-2.
To avoid complications, the Scorpions need to beat Olivarez College (7-3) to secure the top seed and the twice-to-beat bonus in the quarters, which is a knockout affair.
If the Scorpions beat the Sea Lions, the second-running Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas Dolphins (8-3) will claim the other bonus in the next round.
With the win, LPU evened its record to 5-5, tying two-time champion Diliman College for 5th to 6th places while pulling MCU down to 7th place with a 5-6 mark.
Five players scored in double figures for LPU, with Kurt Lee Laput coming through with an all-around performance – 18 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Einstein Ramon buried six triples for a team-high 20 points.
Daniel Marcelo led CEU with 17 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds, while Abdul-Wahab Olusesi finished with 16 points and 17 boards.
