Emilio Aguinaldo College gave its Final Four bid a massive boost with a convincing 69-59 win over Arellano University in the NCAA Season 100 on Saturday, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Generals rose to an even 8-8 slate to tie with Lyceum University of the Philippines for a share of the fourth spot, as their battle for a semifinal seat is set to be crucially determined on Tuesday.
Harvey Pagsanjan scattered a full line of 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block to keep the fight alive for the Generals.
Gelo Loristo was equally reliable in the redefining win after posting a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double effort, while King Gurtiza flirted with a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds laced with five assists.
EAC widened the gap from Arellano at 50-40 before the Arellano responded with an 8-2 run capped by T-mc Ongotan’s tightly-contested layup at the buzzer of the third quarter to keep the former at sniffing distance, 52-50.
However, the Generals managed to pull away once more with a furious 11-0 blitz to open the fourth quarter and protected their lead this time until endgame to seal the win that might determine their fate down the line.
“It’s a vital win. We really needed this badly. After an embarrassing loss against San Beda, we practiced right after that game. So, nag-focus kami talaga kung ano ‘yung nagawa naming mali in our game against them,” said EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Ongotan led the losing cause for the Chiefs as they fell 6-10 in the standings with only a slight chance of making it through the eliminations.
The scores:
EAC 69 – Pagsanjan 17, Gurtiza 13, Loristo 10, Jacob 9, Oftana 5, Ochavo 4, Lucero 4, Quinal 3, Bagay 2, Luciano 2, Umpad 0, Doromal 0, Bacud 0
Arellano 59 – Ongotan 14, Valencia 13, Borromeo 11, Hernal 6, Geronimo 5, Capulong 5, Vinoya 5, Camay 0, Abiera 0, Acop 0, Libang 0, Miller 0
Quarters: 21-18, 34-33, 52-50, 69-59
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
