Emilio Aguinaldo College was already an undermanned team even before its game against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA with Ralph Bajon and JP Maguliano out under health and safety protocols.
But the Generals were dealt another blow when two other key players went down with separate injuries during the game itself.
Nat Cosejo hurt his foot late in the third period while Allen Liwag had a bad landing early in the third frame. Neither player was able to return to the game after those incidents.
Still, the Generals managed to pull off a 59-53 escape against the ALTAs as the hosts copped their second win in 15 games. And EAC head coach Oliver Bunyi said there was one quality of his team that stood out.
"It's about resiliency. Obviously maraming nangyaring negative things sa amin kas before the game, we don't have Maguliano and Bajon, eh supposed to be starters sila," said Bunyi.
"So nag-adjust kami and then, biglang nangyari naman ay na-injure 'yung dalawa. But then again, before the start of the game sinulat na lang namin sa board ay katatagan or resiliency. Nakuha naman namin despite the adversity."
Despite a depleted roster with two top rebounders missing, EAC still outrebounded Perpetual, 50 to 42, with team captain JC Luciano showing the way with nine boards alongside 12 points.
"Si JC, he's really a hard worker. Hindi man siya a gifted athlete, but nadaan niya lahat sa hardwork pati 'yung effort niya palaging andon eh."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
