Pirates shackle Generals, extend run to 12

Lyceum of the Philippines University sized up Emilio Aguinaldo College in the first half then used a stifling defense in the last two quarters to overwhelm the Generals, 95-75, as the Pirates stretched their unbeaten run to 12 in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

The NCAA postponed its basketball and badminton games today after the suspension of classes by government in anticipation of a super typhoon.

The Pirates trapping defense forced the Generals to commit a season-worst 38 turnovers that led to 38 points as the former kept their lofty perch at the helm while keeping arch rivals San Beda Lions at bay with an 11-1 mark.

“We know our strength (defense) and we just have to keep feeding on that,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson. “We also know our rivals are going to zone us but we’re getting better at beating it (zone) while the other teams haven’t figured out to break our press.”

CJ Perez and Mike Nzeusseu combined for 37 points while Jaycee Marcelino came in sick but still came through with 15 points, seven assists and four steals as the Pirates dealt the Generals their ninth defeat against two wins.

In the second game, Mapua edged Jose Rizal, 81-79, to snare its third win against eight defeats. The Bombers fell to 2-10. EAC kept the game close in the first half that featured 10 lead changes and four deadlocks with LPU barely leading at the turn at 41-40 on a Ralph Tansingco triple at the buzzer. The scores: First Game LPU 95 – Perez 19, Nzeusseu 18, Marcelino JC. 15, Tansingco 11, Marcelino JV. 10, Pretta 5, Ayaay 4, Valdez 4, Santos 4, Yong 3, Caduyac 2, Ibañez 0, Lumbao 0, Cinco 0, Serrano 0.

EAC 75 – Garcia 30, Bautista 19, Hamadou Laminou 10, Maguliano 8, Gonzales 4, Cruz 2, Neri 2, Diego 0, Corilla 0, Natividad 0, Mendoza 0, Cadua 0. Quarterscores: 20-18; 41-40; 61-53; 95-75 Second Game MU 81 – Victoria 17, Bonifacio 13, Lugo 10, Pelayo 10, Aguirre 7, Gamboa 6, Serrano 6, Buñag 4, Biteng 4, Jabel 4, Nieles 0.

JRU 79 – Mendoza 22, Mallari 18, Silvarez 13, Estrella 9, Aguilar 5, Esguerra 4, Dela Virgen 3, Bordon 2, Miranda 2, Padua 1, Doromal 0, David 0.

Quarterscores: 15-17; 36-42; 60-55; 81-79