The Arellano University Chiefs came up with a strong start and caused members of the Lyceum Pirates to worry.
But CJ Perez rose to the occasion in the fourth period, knocking in 13 of 31 career-high points to power the Pirates to an 82-78 trouncing of the Chiefs yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.
Perez scored two triples in the last period, with the last one giving the Pirates enough room to post their fourth straight victory in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
His last trey found its mark in the last 3:54 on Reymar Caduyac’s assist, handing the Pirates a 72-61 edge in the remaining time.
Coach Topex Robinson said he was not worried when the Chiefs took the lead early.
“I don’t see it as a problem, but a challenge. Experience is the best teacher,” said Robinson.
The Pirates were ahead, 58-54, in the beginning of the fourth when Perez touched off an 11-2 run with his first triple as they took a 69-56 spread with 6:31 left.
Michael Canete hit 10 of 12 points in the first period as the Chiefs took charge, 33-19.
When Canete turned the ball over, Jeric Serrano struck had twice on pair of turnovers as they took a six-point edge, 58-52, in the last 1:06 off a Caduyac’s drive.
Later, Alvin Capobres hit 16 points for the San Sebastian Stags in their 86-76 smashing of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers for their second win in three games.
The Chiefs, who got 11 points from Adrian Alban, have 1-1 win-loss slate, while the Heavy Bombers are winless after three outings.
In the junior side, Lars Sunga led five teammates in scoring in double digits with 17 points for the Arellano Braves, who prevailed over the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 98-78, for their second consecutive triumph.
The Braves banked on the charities of Miguel Sahali to move away on a 13-4 run and take a 42-32 halftime lead.
The Braves now share the lead with the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas.
Milo Janao drilled in 23 points for the San Sebastian Staglets, who clobbered the JRU Light Bombers, 92-78 for a 2-2 record with the Junior Pirates.