Pirates escape Generals

Lyceum of the Philippines University survived a late scare from Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), 106-97, to take the solo lead in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

After nearly squandering a huge 31-point lead, Jaycee Marcelino took over as he sparked a 24-11 fourth-quarter attack to rescue the Pirates and tally their second straight conquest.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian College eclipsed College of Saint Benilde, 85-78 to barge into the win column.

Marcelino, the former NCAA Rookie of the Year awardee, delivered 13 of his 24 points in the payoff period, giving Lyceum a 104-88 cushion entering the final two-minute mark.

“If we start to think that EAC is just going to give us the win, that would be a recipe for disaster,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson, whose wards opened the season with a big 85-80 victory over the Golden Stags.

“They kind of relaxed a bit in the third. But again, at least we got away with the win. It’s part of our learning curve.”

Aside from his team-high 24 points, Marcelino also added eight rebounds, two assists and five steals for an all-around performance in just 25 minutes of action.