MANILA, Philippines – Gumawa ng kasaysayan ang Lyceum of the Philippines University matapos walisin ang double-round elimination games ng 93rd NCAA men’s basketball ngayong Huwebes.
Hindi nagpatinag ang Pirates sa defending champion San Beda College sa double overtime victory, 107-105, sa Filoil Arena sa San Juan City.
Hawak ng Intramuros-based squad ang perpektong 18-0 win-loss record upang dumiretso na sa Finals.
“There were times that we’re down but they just don’t want to give up. It’s a testament of this team working together as a solid group,” wika ni Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson.
“We’ll just try to keep on improving because we know it’s not over yet,” dagdag niya.
Pinangunahan ni Cameroonian Mike Nzeusseu ang Pirates sa kaniyang 27 points at 21 rebounds, habang umayuda si CJ Perez ng 20 markers, six rebounds, six assists at four steals.
Kauna-unahan ang sweep ng Pirates dahil 18 panalo ang kanilang naitala kumpara sa ginawa noon ng San Beda na 16 na laro.
Sa pagkatalo ng Red Lions ay nasa ikalawang pwesto ang Red Lions na maghihintay ng makakalaban sa stepladder semi-finals.
The scores:
LPU 107 – Nzeusseu 27, Perez 20, Marcelino JC 9, Caduyac 9, Pretta 8, Santos 8, Ayaay 7, Baltazar 6, Serrano 6, Marcelino JV 4, Ibanez 1
SAN BEDA 105 – Tankoua 34, Bolick 16, Mocon 14, Doliguez 13, Abuda 8, Presbitero 6, Soberano 5, Noah 4, Oftana 3, Cabanag 2, Potts 0, Bahio 0, Adamos 0
QUARTER SCORES: 25-22, 56-46, 70-69, 85-85, 97-97 (1OT), 107-105 (2OT)