Lyceum of the Philippines University bounced back big from its heartbreaker of a loss to Perpetual Help last time as it routed Arellano University, 113-79, yesterday to seal at least a playoff for a Final Four slot in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Pirates had six players scoring in double digits with Jaycee Marcelino leading the way with 21 points, while reigning MVP Jaymar Perez flirted with a triple-double before he ended up with 10 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Pirates nailed their 13th win in 14 outings.
MJ Ayaay, Spencer Pretta, Raymar Caduyac and Jeff Santos joined the shooting parade by scattering 16, 15, 13 and 11 points, respectively.
One more win and they will secure a place in the Final Four.
It also somehow eased the pain of its 81-83 defeat to Prince Eze and the Perpetual Help Altas last week that dashed their hopes of sweeping the elimination round for the second straight season.
It helped that the Pirates soothed their frustration by doing charity work involving children with down syndrome over the weekend.
“After that game, we went to charity. Something that being with those kids and parents, they need our support, more than crying and losing to Perpetual,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson.
It worked for the Pirates as they broke a lot of statistical records like most points scored (113), most three-pointers made (14), most assists (27), most fast break points (34) and most bench points (81).
LPU’s bench points also outscored the whole AU squad.
The Chiefs fell to 4-9
The Scores:
First Game
LPU 113 — Jc. Marcelino 21, Ayaay 16, Pretta 15, Caduyac 13, Santos 11, Perez 10, Nzeusseu 7, Lumbao 6, Yong 5, Valdez 3, Tansingco 2, Cinco 2, Serrano 2, Ibanez 0.
AU 79 — Concepcion 16, Canete 13, Alban 12, Dela Cruz 8, Sera Josef 8, Alcoriza 6, Viloria 4, Segura 3, Codinera 3, Ongolo Ongolo 2, Sacramento 2, Bayle 2.
Quarterscores: 25-15; 54-38; 76-55; 113-79.