Pirates storm semis
Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City) 8 a.m. – JRU vs San Beda (Jrs) 10 a.m. – EAC vs Arellano (Jrs) 12 noon – JRU vs San Beda (Srs) 2 p.m. – EAC vs Arellano (Srs) 4 p.m. – Mapua vs Letran (Srs) 6 p.m. – Malayan vs Letran (Jrs)
Still invincible. Lyceum rose to the strong challenge of University of Perpetual Help, 94-83, in clinching the first semifinal berth in NCAA men’s basketball at The Arena in San Juan City.
Twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino provided the needed force for the Pirates at crunch time where the resilient Altas charged back in the final four minutes before losing steam.
Lyceum kept its record unscathed by extending its winning streak to 13, advancing to the Final Four for the first time since joining the league in 2011.
“It’s something that we’re not accustomed to. But we’ll just continue to ride on this momentum and be humbled by what we are achieving at the moment,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson.
Jaycee fired 11 points, including a dagger three in the last 41.5 seconds, adding nail to the coffin for a 92-81 lead.
Jayvee, who is three minutes younger at birth, finished with 15 points, six coming in the final period.
CJ Perez continued to power the Pirates by erupting for 21 points, five boards and nine assists, highlighting his performance with a steal of a Gab Dagangon inbound pass for a breakaway layup, 89-81, in the last 1:24.
Mike Nzeusseu was also a force to reckon with, finishing with a doubledouble performance of 15 points and 15 rebounds.