JC Marcelino of Lyceum of the Philippines attacks the defense of Jimboy Pasturan of College of Saint Benilde during their 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament game yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. The Pirates won, 77-65. JOAQUI FLORES Lyceum of the Philippines University leaned on a big third quarter push as it turned back College of Saint Benilde, 77-65, to keep its sweep bid alive in the 94th Natinal Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Trailing 39-43, with four minutes left in the third quarter, reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) CJ Perez sparked a 13-0 blitz that turned things around for the Pirates in snaring their seventh straight victory and on course of sweeping the double-round elimination for the second straight season.

“There’s always going to be a challenge. There’s always going to come a time where we have to push ourselves to the limit and do our best and I’m glad my boys didn’t give up on this one,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson.

Perez continued to lead the MVP race as he racked up 22 points, 12 rebounds and five steals while Mike Nzeusseu had 16 points, 13 boards and five shot blocks.

Jaycee Marcelino chipped in 14 points while MJ Ayaay added 11 markers.

Earlier, San Sebastian College bucked the absence of suspended RK Ilagan as it routed Mapua, 94-70, to improve to 3-4.

Stags coach Egay Macaraya said the team suspended Ilagan for the rest of the first round amid the ongoing investigation by the NCAA Management Committee over his alleged involvement in playing in other leagues.

The league has yet to render a decision on the matter at press time.

Alvin Capobres exploded with a career-high 21 points, including 17 in the first half, for the Stags.