History is not favoring Emilio Aguinaldo College as it continues to strive for its first appearance Final Four appearance in the NCAA.
A dominant 82-69 victory over defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Friday saw the Generals putting an end to the Knights’ three-year reign as champions by eliminating them from Final Four contention.
However, they have little time to celebrate as they face another NCAA powerhouse, San Beda University, in just two days.
The Red Lions have consistently dominated the Generals in the school’s brief history with the NCAA. EAC has lost all 26 matchups against San Beda over the past 13 years.
Most recently, the Generals were defeated 86-72 in their first-round meeting.
Adding to the stakes, the Red Lions also hold a half-game advantage over the Generals in the Final Four race.
San Beda maintains its hold on the fourth spot in the standings with a 7-4 record, tied with the College of Saint Benilde.
Sunday will mark a true David-versus-Goliath story, with one squad priding itself on its overwhelming height advantage.
On the other hand, there is a team of undersized hoopers led by a first-year head coach looking to make history for their school.
“Nung dumating kami sa EAC sabi namin maliliit yung lineup pero marurunong. Kailangan ma-instill lang namin yung sistema namin sa offense and defense.
“Hindi naman sila mahirap turuan, or hindi naman sila uncoachable. Matatalino yung mga player, underdog lang kami sa height. Maliliit yung mga player compared sa iba,” said assistant coach Noy Catalan.
With towering big men like Jomel Puno and Clifford Jopia manning the paint, San Beda poses a matchup problem for the Generals, and they are aware that they need every ounce of effort from every player to overcome it.
“Siyempre San Beda malalaki – kita niyo naman yung difference sa height.
“Kailangan lang naman namin doblehin yung effort namin on offense and defense. Makikita nalang natin yung outcome ng laro. Siyempre, magpre-prepare kami bukas para sa san beda on sunday,” Catalan shared.
One way or another, the Generals will need to find a way to put an end to San Beda’s reign of terror over them if they hope to make the Final Four.
On Sunday morning at 10:00 AM, the Generals will find out if they can finally conquer their demons once and for all on their road to their first Final Four appearance in NCAA history.
