Pirates tame Lions, claim PCCL crown

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines U showed the poise lacking in its failed NCAA title bid against San Beda last November as the Pirates eked out a vengeful 70-66 victory over the Lions to crown themselves the new Philippine Collegiate Champions League champions at the Filoil Flying V Center last night.

Jaycee Marcelino fired a game-high 21 points, Mike Nzeusseu came away with 20 markers and NCAA MVP CJ Perez made up for his offensive struggle (eight points) with 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a shot block as they foiled the Lions to secure the crown, the Manny V. Pangilinan perpetual trophy and the bragging rights as the No. 1 collegiate squad in the country today.

It was sweet revenge for LPU, which swept last year’s NCAA elims but was swept by San Beda in the finals.

“Win or lose, we just want to be an inspiration,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson, who also steered San Sebastian to the PCCL championship seven years ago.

Javee Mocon and Donald Tankoua shot 24 and 13 points, respectively, for San Beda, which sorely missed main man Robert Bolick, who suited up but didn’t see action due to a knee injury.

With Mocon on the firing end, San Beda took charge early, 21-13, but the Pirates put their act together in the second quarter.