LYCEUM PIRATES DIFFUSE JRU BOMBERS ON SEASON OPENER MATCH
By Maxine Louise Lagman
A 21-point blowout stunned Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Tuesday, as the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates ended their debut match in the NCAA 93 Men’s Basketball Tournament with 96-75 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The matchup between the two teams was close until the start of the second half with only six points between them. If not for the Pirates’ most prized recruit and former Blue Eagle, CJ Perez, Lyceum might have lost their way to victory.
Perez finished with a double-double 22 points, 10 rebounds added with four assists and two steals. Harry Nzeusseu had 13 points while team captain MJ Ayaay had another double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and collected three assists and a steal.
Spencer Pretta corner triple assisted by ReymarCaduyac made way for the Pirate to stretch the lead to 30 points, 92-62.
LPU showed an impressive record in terms of their offense, scoring all 53 points in the second half.
“What’s important is that we made stops, and again, we went back to our defense,” said Lyceum Coach Topex Robinson.
Lyceum also dominated in the total rebounds with 53-32 record from JRU, including a 21-6 lead in the offensive boards.
“You don’t win the championship sa first game, so we have to always try to get back better,” added Robinson, as they will face defending champs San Beda Red Lions on Friday.
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