Pirates eye solo 2nd

I’m glad that we stepped up through all the challenges we’ve been through.

Lyceum of the Philippines University seeks its second straight win and the solo second spot as it takes on University of Perpetual Help Dalta in Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament today at Filoil Arena in San Juan.

The Pirates and the Altas face off at 4 in the afternoon right after the opening-game tussle between College of St. Benilde and San Sebastian College at 2 p.m.

Lyceum, currently tied with Letran with identical 7-3 win-loss slates, is coming off a 93-90 victory over Arellano University and a win will put them at solo second position behind league-leading San Beda University (10-0).

“We just want to keep on improving as a team. We’re challenged right now with what’s happening with our team, but what’s important for us is how we going to grow together,” Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson said.

“Perpetual will be another challenge for us, and I’m glad that we stepped up through all the challenges we’ve been through,” he added.

The Altas of head coach Frankie Lim are currently at the bottom half of the standings with 3-6 mark and they need to start piling up wins to stay in contention for a Final Four slot.

Lyceum will bank on Mark Nzeusseu, who tallied 23 points against the Chiefs, and the Marcelino twins, JV and JC, who combined for 22 markers in their last game.

In the first game, the Blazers and the Stags, both tied at 6-3, collide in a crucial encounter as both teams jockey for position in the Final Four race.