Lyceum, Arellano pull thru in Filoil Preseason caging

Lyceum proved strong and worthy even without its mainstays as it smothered Jose Rizal U, 90-69, while Arellano bounced back from an earlier loss with a 69-61 romp over San Sebastian in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup in San Juan yesterday.

The Pirates were without aces Mike Nzeusseu, Jesper Ayaay, Reymar Caduyac, Kim Cinco, Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, CJ Perez and Yosi Tansingco who were preparing for Game 3 of the PBA D-League Finals.

But Casper Pericas, Yancy Remulla, Spencer Pretta and Jerwyn Guinto rose to the challenge and combined for 52 points to power the team to the 21-point romp in a resounding launch to their Preseason campaign.

“I told the boys that this is their moment to shine and show what they can do,” said assistant coach Jeff Perlas, who took over from head coach Topex Robinson. “We have been fortunate enough to pick up these talented players who fit into our system and can help our team.”

Ateneo later picked up its second straight win, surviving an endgame collapse for a 69-68 victory over San Beda.

The Eagles took a 69-64 lead on Matt Nieto’s free throws in the last 15 seconds but AC Soberano stole off Gian Mamuyac and hit a triple and the Lions pulled to within one on a JV Mocon split after a turnover by Ateneo center Angelo Kouame.

San Beda had a chance to steal the game but flubbed a couple of chances at endgame, enabling Ateneo to escape with the win. The Lions dropped to 1-1. Earlier, Pericas topscored with 16 points while Remulla added 15 markers and Pretta and Guinto added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Pericas fell one assist short of dishing out a double-double effort.

Lyceum poured in 20 points and held JRU to just seven but the Heavy Bombers roared back behind rookie Jarvy Ramos. But after being threatened at 32-38 late in the second period, the Pirates came up with a 15-6 windup to pull away again.