Perez drops 24 to lead the Pirates past Knights for their 16th straight victory
By Maxine Louise Lagman
6 October 2017
The Lyceum of the Philippines University remains undefeated after claiming their 16th win at the expense of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 81-69 on Friday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Lyceum’s 16-0 start holds the second best start in league history after they surpassed the 2009 San Sebastian Golden Stags’ 15-0 league start. The Pirates have two more games left in their eliminations schedule.
“It’s really fun to watch if you see your players having fun, playing their hearts out and honoring the game. It’s the inspiration that’s really been there,” said Coach Topex Robinson.
The Pirates led all throughout the game, but had a scare in the third quarter after Rey Nambatac unleashed eight shots to cut the Pirates’ 16-point lead, 56-40, but CJ Perez scored four consecutive points to keep their double-digit lead.
Perez once again made it big for LPU, giving away 10 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, along with three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
MJ Ayaay added 12 points and six rebounds, while Mike Nzeusseu added a double-double 11 markers and 13 boards. Jayvee Marcelino had 11 points, three markers and two boards.
Meanwhile, Letran dropped to an even 8-8 card, but still remains in four spot with only two games left.
JP Calvo topped Letran Knights with 15 points and two assists, before having the chance to finish the game after suffering from cramps in the final five minutes of the game.
Bong Quinto chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds, while Nambatac added a double-double 12 points and 15 rebounds in the losing effort.
