King Gurtiza atoned for his lackluster showing last game, steering Emilio Aguinaldo College to a 101-94 win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos as they entered the current NCAA Season 100 Final Four picture on Saturday.
The Generals’ skipper, who was limited to just 14 points in their narrow loss to Mapua University last Tuesday, erupted for a career-high 27 points alongside five rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal to star in the escape victory.
With Gurtiza showing the way, EAC has entered the Final Four picture after forging a triple tie at fourth at 6-6 with host Lyceum and skidding Letran. The Stags, meanwhile, dropped to 3-9.
"Alam naman natin ‘yung Baste, it’s a very dangerous team so ‘yun, pinakita lang nila," EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes said.
"They didn't give up, buti na lang nag-respond [‘yung players ko] and we didn't commit that much turnovers towards the end so ayun ‘yung nagpanalo sa amin."
EAC turned a 55-51 halftime lead to a 76-57 lead after a three-pointer from Gurtiza as they soared to a 17-point lead late in the frame.
The Stags, known for their fourth quarter rampages, continued to stay close after Reggz and Ralph Gabat powered their fightback.
The Gabat brothers combined for three triples as the Stags pulled to within eight, 87-95, in the final 1:15.
EAC, however, had every answer it needed with Gurtiza sinking a pair of free throws for a 98-87 cushion.
San Sebastian had another huge chance to pull closer after Harvey Pagsanjan and Gurtiza were whistled with an unsportsmanlike and regular foul, respectively, that allowed Paeng Are and TJ Felebrico to sink three freebies, 92-97, with still 39 ticks left.
EAC held on with Wilmar Oftana and Gurtiza putting the finishing kick.
Oftana ended up with a huge double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds together with three assists, two steals, and one block while Pagsanjan chipped in 16 markers, nine boards, three dimes, one steal, and one block.
Felebrico's big game went for naught as he exploded for 30 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist while Reggz Gabat finished with 21 markers.
Scores:
EAC 101 – Gurtiza 27, Oftana 17, Pagsanjan 16, Quinal 11, Lucero 9, Luciano 5, Ochavo 3, Jacob 3, Bacud 3, Loristo 3, Doromal 2, Bagay 2, Angeles 0, Manacho.
San Sebastian 94 – Felebrico 30, R. Gabat 21, Are 14, Escobido 9, L. Gabat 9, Ricio 6, Pascual 3, Velasco 2, Aguilar 0, Suico 0, Maliwat 0, Barroga 0, Cruz 0, Ramilo 0, Lintol 0.
Quarters: 28-29, 55-51, 85-69, 101-94
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
