The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals leaned on the experience of their seniors to stun the previously-undefeated Adamson University Soaring Falcons in overtime, 76-73, and take their maiden win in Group B of the 2017 FilOil Flying V Pre-season Premier Cup, Monday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
EAC now have their first victory and went up to 1-2. On their part, next-door neighbors Adamson suffered their first loss to go to 5-1.
For second-year head coach Ariel Sison, the win is a morale-booster. “Oo, malaking bagay ito kasi ayaw naman naming mag-0-3. Gusto rin naming manalo against Adamson,” he said.
Sidney Onwubere led the Generals with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Hamadou Laminou — who was up against Papi Sarr — won his own battle at the middle with 21 markers and 11 boards.
It was the Generals who took the initiative in the opening quarter before the Falcons took over in the second. Adamson, a team that usually puts up solid numbers from the field, were just limited to 36 percent the half.
The eastern San Marcelino-based squad then adjusted in the third period to push their one-point halftime lead to six, 49-43, before the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, EAC had the final say, however, as Laminou punctuated the period with an alley-hoop dunk.
The west-side side then used this momentum in the fourth quarter and finally took the lead at 61-59, 46.7 seconds left off an Onwubere layup.
The senior forward then answered a Robbie Manalang layup with a trey to regain the lead at 64-61, before the latter retaliated with one of his own to send the game into overtime.
Nonetheless, the Generals pushed for the win as Francis Munsayac made two free throws and a wide-open layup to widen the gap at 74-70. Former Falcon Jerome then sealed the win at the line with two clutch free throws.
The Generals will look to build on this win as they face the 2-0 University of the Philippines on Wednesday, May 24, at 3:15 pm.
The Soaring Falcons will try to get back on track as they also face the Fighting Maroons on Sunday, May 28, at 11:15 am.
The Scores:
EAC (76) – Onwubere 23, Laminou 21, Munsayac 13, Garcia 7, Bautista 7, J.Mendoza 3, Pascua 2, I.Mendoza 0, Corillq 0, Gonzales 0, Diego 0, Guzman 0, Tampoc 0, Bugarin 0.
AdU (73) – Manalang 15, Manganti 11, Ahanmisi 11, Sarr 11, Ochea 11, Hill 5, Paranada 3, Camacho 2, Bernardo 2, Zaldivar 2, Pingoy 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 31-32, 43-49, 64-64, 76-73.
