When Jerson Cabiltes was appointed as Emilio Aguinaldo College head coach before NCAA Season 99, he had a daunting goal: to end the Generals’ long skid against the San Beda Red Lions.
Since joining the Grand Old League in 2009, the Generals had never beaten the Red Lions, suffering a string of defeats that extended into last season.
They lost 81-71 and 86-72 in their two elimination round encounters, stretching the losing streak to a disheartening 27 games.
This string of losses only fueled Cabiltes’ determination.
He brought in his trusted player, Harvey Pagsanajan, along with a trio of Arellano University standouts to support his lead General King Gurtiza.
On Tuesday, September 17, the Generals finally ended the streak by defeating San Beda.
This victory was more than just a win – EAC dominated on all fronts, concluding the game with a convincing 68-55 victory.
The Generals were thoroughly prepared for this early-season clash.
“Going into this game, we had four-and-a-half hours of practice yesterday for viewing and running our sets. Talagang pinag-aralan namin on how to play defense against San Beda at yung mga key players na babantayan,” said Cabiltes.
“Buti nagbunga naman.”
EAC’s defense was formidable throughout the game, holding San Beda’s high-octane offense to just 26.7-percent shooting from the field. They effectively limited Bryan Sajonia to only eight attempts.
The defensive efforts of Wilmar Oftana and Deo Lucero were also crucial, contributing to San Beda’s 17 turnovers, which resulted in 15 points for EAC.
Additionally, EAC capitalized on their three-point shooting, making 13 triples – an area they had focused on improving after their disappointing loss to Benilde the previous Saturday.
With the streak finally over, Cabiltes now sets his sights on ending another drought: EAC’s long absence from the Final Four.
The Generals have yet to make it to the Final Four in their 15-year history in the NCAA.
“Hopefully, this game will keep us on track coming into our next games kasi even though we ended this skid against San Beda, walang kwenta yun if we don’t make it to the Final Four,” said Cabiltes.
“The only record that matters now is EAC making it to the Final Four.”
The Generals plan to remain as low-key as possible while pursuing this goal.
“Darkhorse pa rin kami kasi nandiyan yung Benilde, Mapua, at San Beda. We just want to be the darkhorse, hayaan niyo na yung limelight sa kanila,” said the Filipino-Chinese tactician.
“As much as possible, gusto lang namin gawin yung trabaho namin each day sa practice and work hard each game.”
