Pirates, Lions eye lead
We might be the smallest, but we are also the quickest team in the league right now
Heavyweights San Beda University and Lyceum of the Philippines University shoot for an early lead when they tackle separate foes in Season 95 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament today at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Red Lions clash with Jose Rizal University at 12 noon followed by the collision between Letran College and Arellano University at 2 p.m.
Then, the Pirates take centerstage when they face Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 4 p.m. battle of this triple-header in the country’s oldest collegiate league.
The Red Lions and the Pirates picked up where they left off after figuring in the past two championship duels.
The Red Lions crushed the Chiefs, 5946, in the opening salvo while the Pirates escaped by the skin of their teeth against Letran College, 84-80, to join San Sebastian College, College of St. Benilde and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta as openingday winners.
All eyes, however, will be on Lyceum. Despite losing CJ Perez and MJ Ayaay to graduation, Lyceum remains a force to be reckoned with as twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino made their presence felt, sending a strong message that they are ready to fill the void left by their prized wingers.
Jaycee had 24 points while Jayvee chipped in 18 markers for head coach Topex Robinson, who unleashed his trademark “small ball” to perfection that left the Knights groping for form.
“We’re honoring CJ and Ayaay by bringing us to where we are right now, but it’s time to build our own legacy with our own guys,” said Robinson, who was known as a quick, pesky defender during his heydays in the Philippine Basketball Association.
“We might be the smallest, but we are also the quickest team in the league right now.”
Robinson said the Generals are no pushovers, especially now that they are entering a new era under the leadership of head coach Oliver Bunyi, the former Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach who also helped head coach Pido Jarencio at Globalport.
But they will still turn the game into a sprint contest and convert this dizzying style into victories.
“We know they have a new program under coach Oliver Bunyi so we’re going to prepare,” said Robinson. “I hope our quickness will work again, especially against a good team like EAC.”