LYCEUM heeded coach Topex Robinson’s urgings to play all-out and got rewarded with handsome dividends yesterday.
The Pirates ripped the Perpetual Help Altas 89-74 for their eight win and gained solo second in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Six-foot-5 Cameroonian import Mike Harry Nzeusseu showed the way for Lyceum with 21 points, on top of five rebounds and two assists, while Jaycee Marcelino chipped in 21 markers, eight boards, and two dimes.
Raymar Caduyac and Jayvee Marcelino also wound up with 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the Pirates hiked their record to 8-3, second only to unbeaten San Beda’s perfect 10-mark. Perpetual slipped to 3-7.
The Pirates also beat Perpetual Help 87-85 in their initial duel last Aug. 8.
In the other game, San Sebastian College whipped slumping College of St. Benilde 83-67 for its fifth straight win.
Lanky forward Allyn Bulanadi scored a career-high 32 points built on five triples, pulled down four rebounds, and issued two assists while RK Ilagan contributed 13 markers.
Alvin Capobres also had 12 points for the Golden Stags, who atoned for their 72-77 loss to the Blazers in their first meeting last July 30 and improved to 7-3 in a tie with idle Letran for third.
“We reminded them about being fearless. We always felt that after those two losses (against San Beda and Arellano) that we were not confident,” said Robinson.
“We reminded them that they need to be fearless and that when they make a decision, as long as they have courage, it will be okay with me,” he added.
