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NCAA Season 93: Lyceum Pirates

Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/sports/07/05/lpu.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Topex Robinson&#x27;s Pirates are expected to make a leap in Season 93.<cite> Josh Albelda, <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/ncaa/basketball/photos">ABS-CBN Sports</a></cite></div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – After a series of mediocre seasons, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates are tipped to jump into elite status in Season 93.Season 92 record: 6-12Season 92 summary: Lyceum had some bright moments in Season 92, in particular a three-game winning streak in the first round that included a victory over Final 4 contender Jose Rizal University. Mike Nzeusseu was the catalyst of their winning run, tallying 20-20 games and anchoring the Lyceum defense.Back-to-back victories over then-defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran gave the Pirates a 5-5 record after 10 games, but it proved to be the last highlight of their season, as they won only once more the rest of the way. To make matters worse, Lyceum was the lone team to lose to De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in Season 92, dropping their final game against the Blazers.Key losses: Shaq Alanes, Jebb Bulawan, Joseph GabayniKey returnees: Wilson Baltazar, Jesper Ayaay, Mike NzeusseuKey additions: CJ Perez, Jaycee Marcelino, Jayvee Marcelino, Spencer Pretta<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/ncaa/news/2017/06/20/ncaa-impose-tight-security-school-based-matches-27607">READ: NCAA to impose tight security in school-based matches</a></li></ul>Projection: Outside of defending champion San Beda College, no NCAA team impressed more in the preseason tournaments than the Lyceum Pirates.For the first time in the history of the FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup, the Pirates advanced to the semifinals, where they gave the Red Lions a scare. CJ Perez, back in action after a two-year absence from college basketball, more than lived up to expectations and was part of the tournament&#x27;s Mythical Team.Yet the Pirates also showed in the summer leagues that they were far from a one-man team. The hyper-athletic Perez will likely get the lion&#x27;s share of the spotlight and be the contender for awards, but Lyceum&#x27;s supporting cast is no joke.Reigning Rookie of the Year Mike Nzeusseu remains a force to be reckoned with in the paint, but has expanded his offense and is now taking three-pointers. Veterans Wilson Baltazar and Jesper Ayaay are back to give the Pirates a scoring punch.The Pirates who impressed most in the FilOil, however, were a trio of transferees. The Marcelino twins gave Lyceum added depth at the wings, and Spencer Pretta – who like Perez is a former San Sebastian College player – is a sure bet to challenge AC Soberano for the league&#x27;s three-point crown.Coach Topex Robinson has the Pirates playing his preferred brand of basketball – a fast-paced game featuring a lot of transition opportunities and long-range shooting. On defense, they can suffocate opponents with their own brand of a press.Thus, it was not a surprise that other NCAA coaches have branded the Pirates as a contender for the upcoming NCAA wars. In their own words: &quot;The vision is beyond wins and losses. We just want to be a better version of ourselves. The competition in the NCAA is very unpredictable… the referees and the other teams, we don&#x27;t have control of them. What we have to control is ourselves.&quot; – Lyceum coach Topex Robinson.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/" target="_blank"> ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

After a series of mediocre seasons, the Lyceum Pirates are tipped to jump into elite status in Season 93.

After a series of mediocre seasons, the Lyceum Pirates are tipped to jump into elite status in Season 93.

NCAA Season 93: Lyceum Pirates

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NCAA Season 93: Lyceum Pirates

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 05, 2017 03:44 PM PHT

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NCAA Season 93

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