A double-digit advantage at the conclusion of the first quarter was all the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates needed to take down the Naga College Foundation Tigers, 94-82, in the opening contest of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Elite Eight Day Three at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Pirates, who led all throughout the game, focused on ball movement on the offensive end, and ball pressure on defense that allowed them to have a +9 and +8 advantage on the assists and steals departments respectively. LPU was also in control of the ball more, committing 14 less turnovers than NCF.
CJ Perez had another fine performance for Lyceum with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Co-Pirate Ralph Tansingco scored 17 to his credit.
The Tigers were anchored by Alwin Margallo who recorded 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. However, he also committed 10 turnovers, a game high.
LPU remains unblemished on top of Group A with a 2-0 record. NCF, on the other hand, is still winless at 0-2.
BOXSCORES (FIBA LiveStats)
LPU (94): Perez 17, Tansingco 17, Marcelino JV 10, Nzeussev 9, Baltazar 8, Ayaay 5, Santos 5, Liwag 4, Marcelino JC 4, Cinco 3, Serrano 2, Caduyac 2
NCF (82): Margallo 18, Ojoula 17, Hermonio 15, Mangubat 11, Olayvar 7, Padua 6, Lapinid 4, Allarey 2, Nebedum 2, Betito 0
QUARTERSCORES: 24-14, 48-31, 75-58, 94-82