Pirates survive Bombers, cruise to 11th straight victory
Lyceum of the Philippines University came alive late to escape a gritty Jose Rizal University (JRU), 82-74, and remain unbeaten in Season 94 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors basketball on Friday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Locked in a tight battle for much of the game, the Pirates broke away through a decisive run in the fourth quarter en route to an immaculate 11-0 slate.
“JRU played well, but we found a way to get back,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson after the the hard-earned win that extended their elimination streak to 29 victories.
Reigning Most Valuable Player CJ Perez fired 30 points—one marker shy of his career-high—on top of 16 rebounds, three steals and an assist to lead the Intramuros-based team.
Perez rued the Pirates’ complacency in facing the Heavy Bombers that they walloped, 88-56, in the first round.
“We just played our game (in the fourth quarter). But we really struggled until the third quarter because we played complacent,” said the graduating forward.
Cameroonian center Mike Nzeusseu added 14 points on a sour 3-of-10 shooting clip to go with eight rebounds while skipper MJ Ayaay chipped in 12 markers and seven boards.
Mark Dela Virgen scored a team-high 18 points spiked by four three-pointers while Darius Estrella and Jed Mendoza had 15 and 14 markers, respectively, for the Vergel Meneses-mentored Bombers.
JRU, which also drew 11 points from rookie playmaker Mark Mallari, skidded to 2-9 at No. 9.
Meanwhile, San Beda University made quick work of Mapua University, 80-55, to fortify its hold of the second spot.
Cameroonian big man Donald Tankoua drilled in 24 points and eight rebounds while Calvin Oftana contributed 11 markers as the second-running Lions roared to a 10-1 record.
Laurenz Victoria had 19 points and Cedric Pelayo had 12 markers for the Cardinals, who plummeted to No. 8 with with their sixth straight loss and an overall 2-8 card.
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