Lions move closer to NC crown | Inquirer Sports

A series that should collapse until one of the best players of the protagonists is frozen by a suspension could prove to be a quick crowning victory for San Beda.

Even after a good start to the match, reigning Red Lions champion insisted that CJ Perez miss the 73-60 Pirates Lyceum on Tuesday and win the senior crown of Season 94 of the season. NCAA at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Javee Mocon and Robert Bolick, stars of the promotion, led the charge of Lions, but the absence of Perez due to the suspension was clearly felt by Pirates, who appeared unbalanced in the first two quarters.

Perez, last season's most valuable player, was suspended in the first game for not asking for written permission from the league when he signed up for draft PBA last week. The decision was only made Tuesday by the league, leaving the Pirates in a stalemate.

"Even without CJ, we only beat them 13 points," said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. "But I credit the players for their presence today."

The Lions limited the Pirates to 22 points on 35% of their shots in the first half, before increasing their lead to 27 points in the second period.

The Pirates have reduced the gap to only 10 in the very last seconds, the result being already acquired.

"We are sorry for CJ and Lyceum, but it is certain that they will come back stronger," Fernandez said.

"They (Lyceum) lost their top scorer. Lyceum with or without CJ is still able to beat our team and we only won the first match. It's just a stamp for us in the second game. I have so much respect for Lyceum, that's why I hope it's an awakening for the team we can not really relax. "

Mike Nzeusseu finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino each scored 13 points for the Pirates, who also lost to San Beda in the final last year.

However, Topex Robinson's Pirates coach remained in the defeat, saying his second-half performance was an encouraging sign as Perez came back in Monday's second game.

"There is still a lot of fighting in us," said Robinson. "We are delighted to see CJ in the second game."

Bolick also posted nine of San Beda's 19 assists, while the Lions had 11 players on the board. The mercurial guard has vowed that she would be ready for the Pirates' response.

"We love competition," said Bolick. "So they just need to bring it. We will not back down until we have won this championship. "

Joel Cagulangan, who will play the most valuable player in the junior division on Monday, allowed La Salle Green Hills to beat Mapua 74-69 ahead of Mapua in the opening game of his last three of the finals.

At the same time, the Nigerian center Prince Eze of Perpetual has become the most valuable player in the league.

It will be the first time in four years that a Perpetual Help player wins the most valuable player title after Scottie Thompson, who managed the feat in 2014.

Donald Bedoua of San Beda, Bolick, Mocon and Bong Quinto of Letran join Eze.

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