Even without MVP candidate Hamadou Laminou, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals were able to hold their own against fellow NCAA team College of Saint Benilde Blazers, taking a 78-70 win on Friday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The win raises EAC’s record to 2-3 in Group B of the 2017 Filoil Flying V Pre-season Premier Cup, while Saint Benilde dropped to 1-5. But more than the win, the more important thing for coach Ariel Sison was that they were able to rally around each other.
“Sa tingin ko, kahit wala si Laminou, nag-step up yung teammates niya para sa kanya,” the second-year EAC mentor said. “Na-injured siya nung last game namin against UP. Namaga kasi yung tuhod niya at MRI pa lang siya mamayang hapon. Sabi niya sa akin, nadaganan daw siya at natuhod.”
Leading the way for the Generals was Adamson-transferee Jerome Garcia. EAC’s gunslinger had 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field, including 4-of-6 from distance. Energy guy Sidney Onwubere posted a double-double as well with 12 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four blocks to make up for Laminou’s production.
“Lahat sila nag-e-extra practice. Isa ito sa mga mabuting nangyayari sa amin,” added Sison, who is also the dean of EAC’s IT department.
The Generals led by as much as 11 points during the first half, but Saint Benilde’s pressing defense kept them in the game in the latter half, slicing the lead to as low as three points, 57-60, after a Gerard Castor find to a cutting Edward Dixon with 8:55 left.
Sparkplug Jervin Guzman scored five straight points to regain EAC’s momentum, while the Blazers went trigger happy from downtown, missing all seven of their attempts in the last four minutes, that bucked their comeback attempt.
Francis Munsayac, who sprained his left index finger during the third frame, added 13 markers while Juju Bautista added 10 points and six rebounds.
Clement Leutcheu paced the Blazers with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks.
EAC look to continue their run when they face the Arellano Chiefs on Monday, May 29, at 3:15pm. Saint Benilde, on the other hand, take on the same team on Friday, June 2, at 1:30pm.
The Scores:
EAC (78) – Garcia 20, Munsayac 13, Onwubere 12, Bautista 10, Bugarin 8, Guzman 8, Diego 4, Mendoza I. 3, Pascua 0, Mendoza J. 0, Gonzales 0, Mendoza N. 0, Corilla 0, Tampoc 0, Altiche 0.
CSB (70) – Leutcheu 21, Dixon 11, Sta. Maria 8, Bunyi 8, San Juan 6, Castor 5, Naboa 5, Pili 4, Suarez 2, Domingo 0, Young 0 Velasco 0, Mercado 0.
Quarterscores: 25-17, 42-31, 59-51, 78-70.
