Emilio Aguinaldo College still ran like a well-oiled machine despite the absence of coach Jerson Cabiltes as it booted out the hapless Colegio de San Juan De Letran, 82-69, in NCAA Season 99 on Friday.
The Generals, who were coming off a tight defeat to Lyceum last Saturday, have completed their elimination round sweep of the Knights to improve to 7-5.
Letran, on the other hand, slipped to its fourth loss in a row to go 1-11 in the team standings to end its Final Four hopes.
EAC got off to a hot 21-5 start befote Letran threatened a comeback by cutting the deficit to four off a Kevin Santos dunk late in the second period, 43-39.
Still, the Generals enjoyed a 46-39 halftime lead with Nat Cosejo, Ralph Robin, and JP Maguliano making their veteran presence felt early.
However, the Knights could not continue their rampage after team captain Kurt Reyson sustained an injury with 2:27 left in the second quarter and never returned since then, allowing the Generals to build another double-digit lead at 64-47.
Another Santos slam and a layup from Deo Cuajao sliced Letran’s disadvantage to 11 before but those weren’t enough to lift Letran.
Maguliano once again paced EAC with 20 points, nine rebounds, and one assist while Cosejo dropped a double-double effort of 18 markers and 10 boards laced with one dime and one steal.
Robin joined Maguliano and Cosejo in double-digit scoring as the graduating guard tallied 16 points behind 3-of-8 from the three-point area.
Kobe Monje led Letran with 14 points and seven rebounds while Santos chimed in with 10 markers and seven boards as well.
EAC will take on struggling San Beda University on Sunday while Letran will have Lyceum next on the same day.
Scores:
EAC 82- Maguliano 20, Cosejo 18, Robin 16, Ochavo 9, Luciano 6, Quinal 5, Loristo 4, Gurtiza 2, Villaflor 2, Tolentino 0, Angeles 0, Bacud 0, Balowa 0, Umpad 0.
Letran 69- Monje 14, Santos 10, Reyson 9, Cuajao 8, Nunag 6, Bojorcelo 5, Garupil 5, Briilliantes 4, Batallier 4, Ariar 2, Fajardo 2, Bautista 0, Go 0, Jumao-as 0.
Quarterscores: 26-13; 46-39; 68-53; 82-69
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
