Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas spoiled National College of Business and Arts’ debut in the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League on Monday by pulling off an easy 88-62 victory at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.
The Pirates exploited the NCBA Wildcats’ lethargic start by outscoring them 24-4 in the 10 minutes of play and sustaining their form on the way to a runaway win in the 8-team tournament.
In other games, University of Batangas and Diliman College blasted their respective rivals.
The Brahmans notched their second straight win by outlasting the Engineers, 81-72, thanks to the 23-point show of Cameroon 6-foot-5 Kenne Raoul Yemeli.
UB’s win was a fitting follow up to its 92-80 win over Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas in the opener last Thursday.
The Diliman Blue Dragons launched their bid for back-to-back titles with a ruthless 97-69 win over the PCU Dolphins.
Forward Johnnel Rey Bauzon erupted for 29 points on an impressive 8-of-13 shooting from the field in leading the Blue Dragons to an auspicious start.
Aliane Lapasaran led the Pirates with 24 points, five rebounds and 11 assts while Arsene Mulunda chipped in 15 points, 18 boards and three blocks.
Lapasaran and Mulunda stepped on the gas for Lyceum as it zoomed to a quick 15-4 lead and continued that surge to end the half, 53-27.
A three-point play from Ronoel Mesina further padded the Pirates lead to 26, 47-21, as they never looked back.
Lowell Castro contributed 11 points, five assists and three rebounds and Frank Robles added 13 points for Lyceum, drew strength from fast breaks by posting 30 points.
John Mar Aculana scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds while Joshua Elbo had 11 points in a losing effort for NCBA, which only had 12 assists. (Kristel Satumbaga)
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