Emilio Aguinaldo College banked on veterans JP Maguliano and Ralph Robin to turn back streaking De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 78-76, in the NCAA Season 99 on Friday.
Both playing their final year, Maguliano and Robin top-scored their squad with the big man churning out a double-double outing of 17 points and 12 rebounds alongside two assists and one steal while the veteran guard put together 16 markers on 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.
EAC improved to 5-3 while Benilde saw its three-game winning streak come to an end to slide to 4-4.
Robi Nayve left everything on the floor, pouring 13 of his overall output in the first half before a three-point play chance from him sent Benilde to a 56-48 cushion in the third.
The Generals answered with an 8-1 run to head to the fourth trailing by four, 53-57.
With Nayve anchoring the Blazers offense, last year’s runner-up tied things up at 68-all to negate the Generals’ 65-59 advantage that saw Robin and Maguliano led the way.
Migs Oczon then committed a crucial turnover, allowing Nat Cosejo to complete a layup in the final 35.9 seconds, 76-73.
Maguliano’s free throw put EAC in a four-point lead but that was immediately trimmed to two following quick basket from Will Gozum, 77-75, with 12.7 left.
Nayve had the chance to tie it all again but he missed two of his freebies as EAC was up by two, 78-76.
The loss spoiled a career-high performance from Nayve, who finished with 23 points on top of eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal while Miggy Corteza and Will Gozum chipped in 15 and 14 markers apiece.
EAC rookie Kyle Ochavo also had an almost triple-double with nine points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
A little over a year ago, EAC also stunned Benilde to bag its first win in Season 98 after a 0-9 start.
Scores:
EAC 78- Maguliano 17, Robin 16, Cosejo 12, Gurtiza 10, Ochavo 9, Tolentino 4, Ednilag 4, Angeles 3, Bacud 2, Quinal 1, Loristo 0, Cosa 0, Umpad 0, Luciano 0
Benilde 76- Nayve 23, Corteza 15, Gozum 14, Sangco 8, Arciaga 6, Carlos 3, Oczon 3, Marasigan 2, Cajucom 1, Marcos 1, Turco 0, Jalalon 0, Jarque 0.
Quarterscores: 19-18; 35-39; 53-57; 78-76.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
