LYCEUM of the Philippines University unleashed a strong finishing kick to shrug off a gritty College of St. Benilde, 77-64, and secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 94 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Ahead 68-62 with four minutes remaining, the Pirates leaned on their reliable defensive paws and unleashed a 9-2 windup to foil the Blazers.
With the victory, Lyceum improved to 15-2 won-lost to clinch a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.
“They really gave us a run for our own money,” Head Coach Topex Robinson said. “I’m so happy for our team that responded to the challenge.”
Robinson credited the Pirates’ renewed hunger after absorbing a stunning loss to Letran last week.
“There’s a big lesson in that loss to Letran. It kept us humble and we learned how to stick together as a team,” added Robinson on their 79-80 setback to the third-running Knights.
Four players scored in double figures for Lyceum led by reining Most Valuable Player CJ Perez with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Cameroonian import Mike Nzeusseu added 13 points and eight rebounds while veteran guard Reymar Caduyac registered 10 points and seven assists.
Sensational rookie Justin Gutang racked up 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the Blazers, who kissed their Final Four hopes goodbye with an 8-8 record.
St. Benilde’s loss also paved the way for Letran (12-4) and University of Perpetual Help (11-5) to secure their places in the Final Four.
Lyceum is now looking forward to a much-awaited duel with last year’s finals conqueror San Beda next week.
“We really look up to them [Red Lions] as role models and how a team should be run. We have so much respect for San Beda and we know how hard it is to beat them, they will always bring the best out of our team,” Robinson said.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza