In what has already been a history-making NCAA 93 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Lyceum of the Philippines University has just reached another milestone.

Drawing contributions from up and down the lineup, the Pirates destroyed Mapua University from start to finish for a 97-74 blowout at the Filoil Flying V Centre, Friday.

Head coach Topex Robinson fielded in all 15 of his players and each and every one of them contributed at least one point in the scoring column. “The beauty with this team is that we are 13 to 14-man deep. It’s always going to be about collective improvement and success,” he said after they wrapped up a sweep of the first round, winning all of their games in convincing fashion.

At the other end, they forced the Cardinals to commit 24 errors and quickly converted them to 28 points.

CJ Perez remained at the fore of the attack and scored seven points in the first quarter alone which saw LPU rush onto a 22-8 advantage.

The versatile swingman only did himself better in the second and had nine of his team’s 30 points in the period.

Perez didn’t have to do anything more from there as the other Pirates followed his lead and established their biggest lead in the game, 78-46.

In the end, Robinson’s prized ward had 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Wilson Baltazar was the only other LPU player in double-digits with 12 points, but their total team effort was in full display all throughout. “Seeing the people that watch us, sana nabibigyan namin sila ng entertainment,” Robinson shared.

Even though they end the elimination round still spotless, Robinson said his crew is yet to reach its peak. “Na-sweep namin yung first round, pero mahaba pa ang season. Hindi kami pwedeng mag-relax at magdadagdag pa kami ng effort,” he expressed.

On the other hand, the Cardinals continued their downward spiral and now stand at 1-7.

Christian Bunag showed the way in the losing effort with a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double. They still have a chance to end the first round on a high note up against Jose Rizal University on Tuesday.

BOX SCORES

LYCEUM 97 - Perez 18, Baltazar 12, Santos 9, Pretta 9, Tansingco 8, Jv. Marcelino 8, Nzeusseu 6, Jc. Marcelino 6, Ayaay 5, Marata 4, Liwag 4, Ibañez 3, Caduyac 2, Sinco 2, Serrano 1.

MAPUA 74 - Buñag 17, Raflores 16, Nieles 13, Gabo 10, Aguirre 8, Victoria 4, Orquina 4, Magboo 2, Jimenez 0.

QUARTER SCORES: 22-8, 52-34, 80-51, 97-74.

This story was originally published on the ABS-CBN Sports website.