MANILA, Philippines – The Lyceum of the Philippines University just would not go down in the end as the Pirates eked out a 107-105 win over the San Beda College Red Lions to sweep the elimination round of the NCAA Season 93 basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan Thursday, October 19. 

San Beda led 105-104 following a Robert Bolick basket before Mike Nzeusseu, who was fouled with 12.7 seconds to go, secured both of his free throws to give the Pirates a slim 106-105 advantage. 

The Red Lions had enough time to score a go-ahead bucket but Bolick airballed his layup as CJ Perez made up for his 3 previous missed free throws in the second overtime by securing the rebound. 

“It’s just a testament of really working together as a solid group. It could really change a lot. I’m so blessed I’m surrounded with good people,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson. 

Nzeusseu finished with 27 points, 21 rebounds and 2 blocks on a 53 percent shooting while Perez poured in 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals.

Donald Tankoua paced the Red Lions with a game-high 34 points to go along with 13 boards but San Beda missed his service down the stretch as he fouled out late in the first overtime period 

Bolick added 16 points and 5 assists but committed 6 turnovers and made only 4 of his 17 attempts for a poor 24 percent clip.

Lyceum had a chance to close the game in the first overtime after Perez’s basket gave the Pirates a 97-96 lead with 4.2 seconds remaining. However, Bolick was sent to the foul line after a foul from Jesper Ayaay.  

Fortunately for the Pirates, Bolick split his free throws as the game got extended to another extra period.

With an immaculate 18-0 card, the Pirates will go straight into the finals and will wait for the winner of a stepladder match between 3 of the other teams in the Final Four. 

San Beda, which ended the eliminations with a 16-2 record, secured second place and will face the winner between the Top 3 and 4 teams.  

Scores:

Lyceum (107): Nzeusseu 27, Perez 20, JC Marcelino 9, Caduyac 9, Pretta 8, Santos 8, Ayaay 7, Baltazar 6, Serrano 6, Marcelino 4, Ibanez 3 

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, 107-105. – Rappler.com