26 July 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Lyceum of the Philippines continues its winning streak after defeating Jose Rizal University, 95-77, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan, Friday.
With their third straight victory, the Pirates improved to a 4-1 win-loss record, while the Heavy Bombers dropped to a 2-4 slate.
‘It’s a good [win] for us, we know coming to the game na maraming dalang students and supporters and JRU. So it’s gonna be a test of how well we’re gonna play against pressure because again, we’re a new team with additional guys,” Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson said post-game. “I’m just happy we sustained the composure down the stretch.”
The Pirates were on a roll from the get-go, overpowering the Heavy Bombers in the first half, 51-27. They never looked back and kept a comfortable cushion all throughout the game as they cruised to an 80-52 fourth quarter opening advantage off a booming triple by Enzo Navarro
Just as the game was about to come to a close, it heated up between the two teams. JRU head coach Louie Gonzales was ejected from the court after acquiring two technical fouls, while Agem Miranda was called for a disqualifying foul after punching Beirn Laurente in the stomach, 3:13 left.
Eventually, Lyceum ended the game on a high note with an 18-point lead, 95-77.
Mike Nzeusseu had 13 points and eight rebounds, while Ralph Tansingco added another 13. Nino Ibanez and Enoch Valdez combined for 22 markers in the win.
John Amores led JRU with a game-high 23 points, while Miranda had 13 markers, and four dimes.
The Scores:
LYCEUM (95) — Nzeusseu 13, Tansingco 13, Ibanez 11, Valdez 11, Caduyac 8, Jv. Marcelino 7, David 7, Pretty 6, Navarro 6, Laurente 6, Yong 4, Santos 2, Guinto 1.
JRU (77) — Amores 23, Miranda 13, Delos Santos 9, Dionisio 6, Aguilar 6, Vasquez 6, Steinl 4, Jungco 4, Dela Rosa 3, Abaoag 2, Arenal 1.
Quarterscores: 31-19, 51-27, 75-49, 95-77.
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