MANILA – Mike Nzeusseu drained a tough game-winner as the Lyceum Pirates defeated University of Perpetual Help Altas, 87-85, in NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball at the UPHDS Gym in Las Piñas City.
With the game knotted at 85-all, Nzeusseu converted against a number of Altas defenders on a nifty pass by Jayson David with 0.7 seconds left to break the deadlock.
“Jayson could easily take the shot and be the hero, but that’s what’s special about this team. Wverybody’s just trying to make everybody look good. They trust each other,” said Pirates head coach Topex Robinson.
Nzeusseu finished the match with double-double 18 points and 10 rebounds while Jayvee Marcelino tallied nine points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block for the 5-1 Pirates.
After establishing a 74-61 lead heading into the fourth period, the Altas made a huge run to cut the deficit to 80-81 before forcing a deadlock at 85-all with over two minutes left.
Over at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, Mapua University Cardinals finally racked up its first win after dismantling fellow cellar-dwelling Arellano University Chiefs, 73-64.
Laurenz Victoria tallied a career-high 29 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field and 12-of-15 clip from the charity stripe to hand rookie head coach Randy Alcantara his first win in the seniors division./PN