Battle of leagueleaders as Pirates, Lions collide

Battle of leagueleaders as Pirates, Lions collide

Battle of leagueleaders as Pirates, Lions collide

Battle of leagueleaders as Pirates, Lions collide

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Google Plus

IT will be a battle of leagueleaders and undefeated teams today at the National Collegiate Athletic Association as the Lyceum Pirates and defending champions San Beda Red Lions take on one another in a marquee matchup set for 4 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Currently occupying the one and two spots, respectively, Lyceum (8-0) and San Beda (6-0) seek to extend their strong run in the opening round of Season 94 and fortify their top-perch team status in the ongoing tournament.

The Pirates for the second straight season are off to an impressive start, unblemished heading into their last game of the first round.

Last year, Lyceum went undefeated in the two-round classification play before being swept by San Beda in their best-of-three finals series.

It comes into the game off a gutsy victory over the Letran Knights, 87-82, on Aug. 17.

The Pirates used a 17-4 run in the final five minutes to overhaul an eight-point deficit, 78-70, en route to preserving their undefeated record.

Jasper Ayaay led Lyceum with 20 points with Mike Nzeusseu and CJ Perez adding 16 points apiece.

Jaycee Marcelino was the other Pirate in double digits with 10 points.

For his splendid play in said game, Ayaay was adjudged player of the week given by the NCAA press corps.

On the verge of another sweep of the first round, Lyceum coach Topex Robinson underscored the need for them to stay on top of their game lest they find themselves losing their edge.

“It’s nice to win but we have to continue learning and be the best versions of ourselves. We have to continue moving forward and continue to grow. We have to keep our focus and respecting the game by giving our best each time,” Mr. Robinson said.

Meanwhile, San Beda eyes to keep in step with Lyceum or even get the better of the latter in the first round with a win.

The Lions defeated rival San Sebastian Stags, 65-54, on Aug. 16 where they used a strong finishing kick to book their sixth win in as many games.

Javee Mocon paced San Beda in the win with 16 markers followed by Donald Tankoua and James Canlas with 12 points apiece.

Preceding the Lyceum-San Beda match, meanwhile, is Letran (4-3) versus Mapua Cardinals (2-6) at 2 p.m. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo