After years of trying, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates finally stood as victors over the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, 96-91 on Friday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
It was back in NCAA Season 89 under Coach Bonnie Tan that Lyceum last won over the Red Lions.
“To play against a San Beda team, it definitely needs a lot of perseverance and grit. I’m just blessed to have players that inspires a lot of people,” said current Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson.
Most prized recruit CJ Perez once again led the Pirates after making a huge basket, 2:30 minutes left on the clock, pacing Lyceum away from a knotted 89-all followed by veteran Reymar Caduyac’s back-to-back basket that placed the squad in a six-point advantage, 95-89.
Red Lion Javee Mocon took a shot from the free throw line to hopefully boost San Beda, yet a split by Jaycee Marcelino capped of the game.
Perez scored a game-high 24 points with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Mike Nzeusseu added a double-double 18 points and 13 rebounds. Caduyac had 16 markers, five of which helped the Pirates pace away from the Red Lions in the last two minutes of the game and added seven assists and three rebounds. Even rookie Jaycee Marcelino had 14 points, six boards and two steals.
It was Lyceum’s defense that took them to victory after holding out San Beda after the 89-all deadlock.
“The teams will play us even tougher and we have to be ready for it,” Robinson said. Now on top of the chain, Lyceum will have to get ready on their next match against San Sebastian College on Friday, July 21.
Robert Bolick paced the Red Lions with 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Clint Doliguez had 19 points and seven rebounds. AC Soberano added another 12.
San Beda will face Saint Benilde Blazers on Tuesday, July 18.
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