11 October 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Lyceum of the Philippines University defeats Jose Rizal University, 77-64, on Friday to secure the no. 2 seed in the Final Four of NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
With the win, the Pirates improved to a 13-4 win-loss record to bounce back from a defeat against San Sebastian College, and to prepare themselves before their big game against defending champion San Beda University next week.
“It’s gonna be big for us to create momentum as we go to the stretch… kumbaga ito na ang home stretch ng season,” said LPU head coach Topex Robinson. “Every opportunity for us to really learn and grow is gonna be big for us. Again we’re excited for the Thursday game (against San Beda).”
The Pirates extended their one-point lead in the first quarter to 10, 43-33, at the half. They only continued to dominate in the third quarter as Jaycee Marcelino and big man Mike Nzeusseu orchestrated runs that limited the Heavy Bombers to only four points, 57-37.
JRU threatened last in the payoff period after cutting the deficit down to 15, but Lyceum proved too strong for them to put down.
Jaycee Marcelino led the Pirates with 23 points, five rebounds, and a steal, while Nzeusseu had a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double, along with a steal and two blocks. Ralph Tansingco and Reymar Caduyac chipped in 10 and nine markers, respectively, in the win.
For the Heavy Bombers, John Delos Santos had 19 points and six rebounds, while Ronnie Aguilar and Agem Miranda combined for 26 markers in the losing effort as they slid to a 4-12 slate for ninth place in the league standings.
The Scores:
LPU 77—Marcelino Jc. 23, Nzeusseu 15, Tansingco 10, Caduyac 9, David 6, Santos 6, Marcelino Jv. 5, Ibanez 3, Navarro 0, Yong 0, Remulla 0.
JRU 64—Delos Santos 19, Aguilar 16, Miranda 10, Dela Rosa 9, Amores 6, Dionisio 2, Vasquez 2, Arenal 0, Jungco 0.
Quarters: 15-14, 43-33, 57-37, 77-64
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