By Ricky Manliguis
SAN JUAN, MM-- Already denied an entry to the Final Four, yet the Lyceum Pirates still never failed to surprise.
The Pirates denied Perpetual Help a direct pass to the next round, pulling off a 64-61 win in the first game of Tuesday action of Season 92 of the NCAA at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Reymar Caduyac poured in 15 points, leading the Intramuros-based squad in notching its sixth victory in 17 games, at the same time derailing the Altas' chance for an automatic playoff qualification.
Tied 43-all after three quarters, Caduyac went on fire, nailing nine of the team's final 12 points, including a three-point bucket for a 55-49 edge with five minutes left.
But the Altas, behind Bright Akuetie and Keith Pido, rallied to tied the ballgame at 61-all with 76 ticks left. LPU then turned to defense on the Altas' final crack at the basket.
Caduyac and Mike Nzeusseu virtually sealed the deal with three out of four free throws.
All in all, the rookie Caduyac finished with a 4-of-9 field goal shooting on top of three rebounds and a steal in almost 22 minutes of playing time. Nzeusseu produced a double-double effort of 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Akhuetie paced the Altas, which dropped to an 11-5 card, with another double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Gab Dagangon chipped in 11 with 7 rebounds.
The Las Piñas-based squad will face San Beda and Mapua for its last two assignments. Beating both teams will guarantee them into the next round.
Box Scores:
Lyceum 64–Caduyac 15, Nzeusseu 11, Alban 8, Bulawan 6, Alanes 6, Gabayni 6, Rubite 5, Ayaay 2, Marata 2, Serafico 2, Malabanan 1, Baltazar 0, Soliman 0
Perpetual Help 61–Akhuetie 21, Dagangon 11, Coronel 8, Ylagan 6, Singontiko 5, Pido 5, Sadiwa 3, Gallardo 2, Eze 0, Dizon 0
Quarterscores: 12-17, 27-24, 43-43, 64-61
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