LYCEUM of the Philippines University needed a strong push in the second half to outclass College of Saint Benilde, 77-65, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 94 seniors basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
CJ Perez was impressive with his 22 points, 12 rebounds and five steals as the Pirates rolled to their seventh straight win and a tight grip of the lead in the first round of the eliminations.
“We’re always going to be challenged and we really have to bring our best,” Lyceum Head Coach Topex Robinson said.
The Blazers held the driver’s seat early in the second half when Yankie Haruna scored to make it 43-39. But that was their last taste of the lead as the Pirates countered behind Perez and JC Marcelino.
From there, the Pirates, last season’s runners-up, outscored their opponents, 21-14, in the final quarter.
Big man Mike Nzeusseu was as stellar with his 16 points, 13 three and five blocks. Marcelino, on the other hand, had 10 points in the second half and finished with 14 points laced by five rebounds.
“The guys didn’t give up. It’s always going to be us playing together and playing for each other,” Robinson said.
Lyceum is hoping to duplicate their 18-0 eliminations sweep last season. But Robinson downplayed the streak as a mere show of their hard work.
“It’s obviously an honor being considered as favorites. But this is a big responsibility for us. We cannot relax and be satisfied with that,” he said.
Justin Gutang and Edward Dixon each had 13 points and a combined 11 rebounds for Saint Benilde, which dropped to its fourth loss in six matches.
San Sebastian College, meanwhile, improved to 3-4 won-lost after beating Mapua (2-4), 94-70, with Alvin Capobres leading the charge with 21 points.
Letran, on the other hand, clobbered Arellano University, 88-70, to clinch its fourth straight win against one loss. The Chiefs tumbled to 2-3.
Image credits: Roy Domingo