Pirates rip Cardinals, earn playoff for Top Two
Lyceum of the Philippines University outlasted Mapua in a highly physical game and hammered out a 92-76 victory yesterday to clinch a guaranteed playoff shot at a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four of the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The Pirates beat out the Cardinals in an emotional match where a total of 61 fouls were called, including six technical infractions. Fifty-four free throws were taken, with each side making 19 apiece.
Reigning MVP CJ Perez and Jaycee Marcelino combined for 12 of their team’s 19 foul shots and finished with 20 and 14 points, respectively, as the Pirates booked their 14th win in 15 outings and thus assured themselves of at least at tie for second spot.
But even as fouls came aplenty – some from shoving to taunting incidents – no players were thrown out.
“It’s basketball. Things like that happen,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson. “This game will be a good preparation for us because it’s going to be tough in our last three games.”
Earlier, Emilio Aguinaldo College slammed the Final Four door on Arellano U as the Generals drubbed the Chiefs, 78-70. The scores: First Game EAC 78 – Garcia 25, Magullano 15, Laminou 14, Bautista 6, Neri 6, Bugarin 4, Mendoza 3, Gonzales 2, Tampoc 2, Corilla 1, Cadua 0, Diego 0.
Arellano U 70 – Dela Cruz 15, Alban 14, Dela Torre 12, Concepcion 10, Alcoriza 6, Bayla 4, Canete 4, Sacramento 2, Ongolo Ongolo 1, Viloria 1, Segura 1, Sera Josef 0. Quarterscores: 21-11; 48-30; 63-50; 78-70 Second Game LPU 92 – Perez 20, Jc. Marcelino 14, Nzeusseu 12, Caduyac 8, Ayaay 7, Pretta 6, Ibanez 4, Santos 4, Tansingco 4, Yong 4, Lumbao 3, Cinco 2, Serrano 2, Valdez 2.
MU 76 – Bonifacio 17, Serrano 15, Bunag 13, Pelayo 13, Aguirre 10, Jabel 3, Salenga 3, Victoria 2, Gamboa 0, Lugo 0, Nieles 0.
Quarterscores: 21-17; 53-32; 73-60; 92-76.