King Gurtiza once again showed up in the clutch, steering Emilio Aguinaldo College to a 79-76 escape of Arellano University for back-to-back wins in the NCAA Season 99 on Friday.
The Generals are now tied at third spot with Jose Rizal University at 4-2 while the Chiefs dropped to 1-5.
Things heated up when Lars Sunga was whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul against EAC’s Brianne Angeles that allowed the Generals to build a 64-57 lead.
The Chiefs then banked on Jeadan Ongotan, who powered a 6-0 run to pull them to within one, 63-64, before a huge triple from Troy Valencia tied things up anew at 69.
Jade Talampas was all alone for a triple for a 74-71 cushion but King Gurtiza came up with two long bombs of his own as the Generals retook a crucial 77-74 lead with 1:05 left.
JP Maguliano then issued a wild pass to Nicole Quinal, who would complete a layup for a 79-74 spread in the final 48 seconds. Maguliano, though, turned the ball over to give Arellano back the possession.
Talampas, however, went wide on his final attempt.
Gurtiza, who was held to just one point in the first half, finished with 14 points laced with three assists, two rebounds, two steals, and one block while Maguliano led with 19 markers, seven boards, and two dimes.
Ralph Robin and Nat Cosejo chipped in 13 and 12 points each.
EAC returns to action on Sunday against San Sebastian while Arellano takes on Benilde on the same day.
Scores:
EAC 79- Maguliano 19, Robin 15, Gurtiza 14, Cosejo 12, Angeles 6, Umpad 4, Ochavo 2, Quinal 2, Tolentino 2, Ednilag 2, Luciano 1, Cosa 0, Bacud 0, Balowa 0, Doria 0.
Arellano 76- Talampas 20, Valencia 16, Ongotan 10, Capulong 10, Sunga 6, Geronimo 6, Villarente 3, Mallari 2, Abastillas 2, Dayrit 1, Yanes 0, Rosalin 0.
Quarterscores: 18-15; 38-38; 60-54; 79-76.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
