2 October 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – Lyceum of the Philippines University strengthened their hold of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four race after defeating Mapua University in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament, 92-76, Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The Pirates improved their standing to 14-1 win-loss record and is only a game away from securing their place in the Final Four berth.
Lyceum had a hard time shaking off the pesky Cardinals from the get-go, but managed to create a 21-point advantage to end the first half, 53-32.
In what could have been an easy contest, the two teams end up taking a heated third quarter that led to multiple called fouls among the players and coaches of both squads.
The third quarter was played for 41 minutes due to the near scuffles and long-time stare downs in the court. Coaches Topex Robinson and Atoy Co were each called technical fouls and unsportsmanlike fouls due to continuous complaining on the officials’ calls upon their players.
All in all, Lyceum and Mapua end up combining for 27 fouls, six of which were technical fouls.
Lyceum managed to come back to their momentum and end the game on a winning note.
Reigning MVP CJ Perez wound up with a double-double record of 20 points and 11 assists, along with two steals.
Jaycee Marcelino added 14 markers, while Mike Nzeusseu chipped in 12 points.
Rookie Warren Bonifacio, on the other hand, led with 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists as Mapua dropped to a 4-11 slate, which also eliminated them from the Final Four race.
The Scores:
LYCEUM 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.
MAPUA 76 — Bonifacio 17, Serrano 15, Bunag 13, Pelayo 13, Aguirre 10, Jabel 3, Salenga 3, Victoria 2, Gamboa 0, Lugo 0, Nieles 0.
Quarters: 21-17, 53-32, 73-60, 92-76.
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