By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Reporter
THE Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates further underscored their “dark horse” standing in Season 93 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) yesterday, winning their season opener over the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 96-75.
Had it solid in the preseason that had the entire league noticing, the Pirates trumpeted what they are capable of doing with an impressive win over the Bombers, led by do-it-all forward CJ Perez.
Earlier in the day, the Perpetual Help Altas also won their season opener, beating the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 69-65.
The win was put under protest though as the Altas wore their dark uniforms instead of the designated light ones they should have for said game.
Lyceum raced to a strong start against JRU with Perez and import Mike Harry Nzeusseu anchoring their team’s attack.
The Pirates went on to claim the opening period, 27-18.
JRU, however, would come to life in the second quarter, trimming their deficit to six points, 36-30, at the halfway juncture of the period.
Lyceum halted the Bombers’ push but the latter would not relent in their thrust to keep the game close, 43-37, at the half.
Teytey Teodoro and the Bombers came out aggressive in the third quarter and had the Pirates lead trimmed to 47-43 early on.
But Lyceum countered back with a 16-5 run to build its biggest lead of 15 points, 63-48, with a little over three minutes to go in the period.
The quarter ended with Lyceum on top, 68-54.
Gaining momentum in the preceding canto, the Pirates kept the pressure on the Bombers at the start of the fourth quarter.
They stretched their lead to 27 points, 89-62, with 4:10 remaining in the game and never looked back after in booking the victory.
Perez had a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and two steals.
Nzeusseu had 13 points and Jesper Ayaay finished with 11 points and 10 boards for Lyceum.
Jed Mendoza was the high point man for JRU with 18 while Ervin Grospe had 15 and Teodoro 13 points.
“We take this win despite showing lapses on our part on the way to it. You don’t win championships with one game and we have to continue on improving,” said Pirates coach Topex Robinson in the post-game press conference.
Lyceum takes on defending champion San Beda College on Friday while JRU battles Perpetual Help also on that day.
ALTAS OVER BLAZERS
Perpetual Help, meanwhile, banked on a collective effort to fend off a resilient challenge from CSB.
While they led for much of the way, the Las Piñas-based Altas did not have it easy as the Blazers were hot on their trail and kept the game close.
The Altas were severely challenged in the third canto and saw them overtaken by the Blazers.
But Perpetual Help would stand up to the challenge in the closing moments of the payoff period before holding on for its first victory in Season 93.
Gab Danganon led the way for Perpetual Help with 14 points to go along with 10 rebounds.
Genmar Ylagan and Jonathan Yuhico had 12 points each while Prince Eze had 11 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks.
Flash Sadiwa was the other Altas player in double digits with 10 points.
Kendrix Belgica paced CSB with 16 points while guard Matt Johnson had 10.
“We are happy to have come up with a win despite committing a lot of turnovers,” said Altas coach Jimwell Gican.
“I understand that the game was put under protest but I’ll let our ManCom (management committee) handle that,” Mr. Gican added.
As of press time, no decision yet has been handed down by the NCAA regarding the protest.
Perpetual Help next plays on Friday against JRU while CSB also sees action on said day versus the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
