Lyceum of the Philippines University put on a defensive clinic as it overpowered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 95-75, yesterday to book win No. 12 in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Pirates threw a defensive clamp on the Generals whom the former forced to a season-worst 38 turnovers that resulted to 38 points, including 22 off fast breaks to keep their slate clean, while keeping a one-game distance ahead of the San Beda Lions, who remained at No. 2 with an 11-1 (win-loss) mark.
“We know that our strength is our defense and we just have to keep feeding off it,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson.
CJ Perez led his team with 19 points and Mike Nzeusseu scattered 18.
Jaycee Marcelino came into game sick but overcame it by finishing with 15 points, seven assists and four steals.
EAC hang tough in the first half when they battled LPU to 10 lead changes and four deadlocks.
A buzzer-beating Ralph Tansingco triple gave the Pirates a 41-40 edge entering the break.
LPU then kept pressing in the second half that put EAC’s offense in total disarray.
Jerome Garcia unloaded a season-best 30 points including six three-pointers but it wasn’t enough to help EAC from absorbing a ninth defeat against two wins.
In the junior game, Jose Rizal University continued its mastery over Mapua following a 74-73 win, allowing the Light Bombers to keep fourth spot in the standings at 7-5.
JRU completed a season sweep of the Red Robins, who dropped to 8-3.
In the first game, Lyceum leaned on a huge third quarter to turn back Emilio Aguinaldo College, 72-66.
Meanwhile, the NCAA has postponed the triple header set on Friday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan due to the coming typhoon Ompong.
Cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorm, coupled with strong wind are expected on Thursday in Metro Manila, according to the Pagasa’s weather forecast.
The matches between San Beda and Perpetual, Letran opposite St. Benilde, and Arellano against San Sebastian will be reset.