King Gurtiza won it at the line for Emilio Aguinaldo College, sinking the game-winning freebies in their 90-88 escape against Lyceum of the Philippines University on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The veteran team captain drew a foul at the three-point area against his defender in Greg Cunanan in the final 6.7 seconds of the fourth quarter, then made two of his three charities as the Generals averted a collapse after wasting an early big lead.
EAC, which was coming off two consecutive losses, improved to 3-4 while the Pirates dropped to 3-4 as well.
"Sabi ko pina-practice ko 'to eh kaya kumpiyansa ako masho-shoot ko 'yung mga free throws na 'yun," Gurtiza said.
"Morale booster ['yung panalo] para sa amin kasi big win kasi 'yung LPU mas mataas sa amin sa standings. Mas madadagdagan 'yung kumpiyansa namin dahil aangat kami sa standings."
But the win didn't have to be decided in the final ticks had EAC not wasted an 18-point lead in the first half.
The Generals, who were eyeing to bounce back from close losses to Perpetual and Letran, took a 46-28 lead in the second quarter before the Pirates pounded on them to trail by just eight at the break, 52-44.
LPU continued its brilliance in the second half, even taking a 66-63 advantage late in the third thanks to key baskets from Neil Moralejo and Jonathan Daileg.
Gurtiza then came alive, burying a pivotal three-pointer to force an 88-all deadlock with 59 seconds left to go in the game before he attracted the defense of Cunanan for the foul.
Jude Bagay provided the unlikely support with 11 points, including back-to-back baskets late in the third, while Axel Doromal chipped in nine markers, two assists, and one rebound.
The loss spoiled the double-double performance of John Barba, who exploded for 19 points and 14 rebounds alongside four dimes and a steal while Gyle Montaño added 14 markers, six boards, and one assist.
Scores:
EAC 90 - Gurtiza 21, Bagay 11, Doromal 9, Pagsanjan 8, Quinal 8, Loristo 8, Ochavo 7, Oftana 6, Lucero 5, Luciano 5, Jacob 2, Angeles 0, Manacho 0, Umpad 0.
LPU 88 - Barba 19, Montaño 14, Villegas 12, Peñafiel 11, Moralejo 7, Cunanan 5, Daileg 5, Caduyac 5, Aviles 4, Gordon 4, Guadaña 2, Panelo 0.
Quarters: 28-17, 52-44, 68-69, 90-88.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
