The Lyceum Pirates drew only 12 points from JV Marcelino but they still repulsed the San Sebastian Stags, 80-69, yesterday in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center.
Contributions from former Stag Renzo Navarro and Jayson David during crucial stretches of the game allowed the Pirates to pick up their second consecutive triumph.
Navarro and David scored baskets that allowed the Pirates to keep up with Stags in the fourth period and improve their hold on second spot with their 3-1 win-loss record.
The Pirates, with Jaycee Marcelino, Navarro and Enoch Valdez all shooting 11 points, now share the same card with the Stags.
The two joined Jaycee Marcelino in scoring triples during a 13-0 run which got the Pirates past a five-point deficit and into a 74-66 edge with 2:33 left.
“We all know coming into the game that we are not out there to beat San Sebastian. We are out there to play our best,” Pirates’ coach Topex Robinson.
Earlier, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers forced three turnovers in the final minute, slowing down a late rally to fend off the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 71-66.
In the junior side, Milo Janao hit 24 points for the San Sebastian Staglets in handing the Junior Pirates a 82-74 beating, Lyceum’s first setback in four outings.
Janao shot 17 points in the first half as the Staglets stayed on top, 42-35.
The JRU Light Bombers prevailed over University of Perpetual Help, 88-83, with rookie Gholam Garcia impressive with 31 points and eight rebounds.
The Light Bombers now have a 3-2 slate.
John Amores top-scored for 15 points for the Heavy Bombers, who earned their second win in five outings.
