Jaycee Marcelino powers Pirates over Blazers

MANILA, Philippines — Jaycee Marcelino took charge in the second half as Lyceum of the Philippines University edged College of St. Benilde, 85-83, yesterday to firm up its hold of second place in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Marcelino unleashed a game-high 22 points including 15 in the final half, leading the Pirates’ charge on the way to a ninth win against three defeats.

“We’re just blessed to have a talented player like him,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson referring to one of the energetic Marcelino wonder twins playing for him.

Mike Nzeusseu pounded it inside and finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds to help in the cause.

LPU spoiled Justin Gutang’s rare triple-double performance with 12 points, 10 boards and 10 assists as the Pirates handed the Blazers a fifth defeat against six triumphs.

Earlier, the resurgent Mapua team survived Emilio Aguinaldo, 79-76, to improve to 5-6.

It was actually the Cardinals’ fifth win in their last six outings after starting the season with five straight losses.

Riding the crest of a career 31-point effort in a 105-101 double overtime win over Letran last week, Noah Lugo unloaded 16 points this time, shining brightest in their key 18-6 run in the final two minutes that gave the Cardinals enough cushion to weather a late EAC fightback.

The scores:

First Game

Mapua 79 – Lugo 16, Bonifacio 13, Victoria 11, Gonzales 9, Gamboa 7, Bunag 6, Serrano 5, Nieles 4, Nocum 4, Salenga 2, Aguirre 2, Garcia 0.

EAC 76 – Maguliano 15, Taywan 13, De Guzman 12, Mendoza 10, Dayrit 8, Cadua 7, Gurtiza 4, Luciano 3, Estacio 2, Martin 2, Gonzales 0.

Quarterscores: 17-20; 35-43; 58-56; 79-76

Second Game

LPU 85 – Jc. Marcelino 22, Nzeusseu 14, Ibanez 11, David 9, Jv. Marcelino 6, Tansingco 6, Caduyac 5, Navarro 5, Santos 5, Yong 2, Guinto 0, Valdez 0.

St. Benilde 83 – Naboa 15, Belgica 12, Gutang 12, Nayve 10, Carlos 9, Young 9, Flores 4, Haruna 4, Dixon 3, Leutcheu 3, Lim 2, Lepalam 0.

Quarterscores: 16-14; 39-41; 69-66; 85-83

Third Game

Letran 99 - Muyang 15, Batiller 15, Yu 12, Balanza 12, Ambohot 11, Caralipio 8, Ular 7, Mina 7, Olivario 4, Sangalang 4, Balagasay 2, Javillonar 2, Reyson 0, Guarino 0, Pambid 0

San Sebastian 82 - Bulanadi 20, Capobres 16, Calma 10, Calahat 10, Ilagan 8, Desoyo 6, Sumoda 5, Isidro 4, Tero 3, Villapando 0, Altamirano 0, Cosari 0, Loristo 0, Suico 0

Quarterscores: 27-23; 48-49; 70-65; 99-82