Emilio Aguinaldo College extended its winning streak to four games and forged a tie with Letran for the top spot in the NCAA standings of the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.
The Generals survived a gritty challenge from Arellano University, eking out a 66-64 thriller on Thursday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Nico Quinal led the way with 15 points and three rebounds, while Jude Bagay and Ruzzelle Dominguez added 11 and 10 points, respectively, helping EAC improve to 6-1 — drawing level with Letran in the team standings in this tournament is backed by major sponsors PlayTime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Lamtex Pipes, Smart, and Puso Pilipinas. Minor sponsors include Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Nature’s Spring, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger.
“I want them to stay hungry. I want to show them that they could compete against top guns in NCAA,” said EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Arellano made it interesting late in the fourth, with T-Mc Ongotan scoring five points in a furious run that allowed the Chiefs to grab the lead, 62-61, with a minute remaining.
But Brianne Angeles came to the rescue, hitting the go-ahead layup that swung the momentum back to EAC. The Generals then came up with two key defensive stops, and a Quinal split at the line sealed the deal for their league-best fourth straight win.
Ongotan and Charles Libang finished with 13 points apiece for the Chiefs, who dropped to 1-3 in the tournament.
(C) Mags Reyes
Earlier in the day, Mapua notched its second consecutive victory after dispatching Jose Rizal University, 76-68.
Cyril Gonzales starred for the Cardinals with 21 points and four rebounds, while team captain Clint Escamis provided steady support with 13 points and seven assists, pushing Mapua to a 4-2 record.
(C) Mags Reyes
Meanwhile, Perpetual Help snapped a three-game skid with a 75-61 win over San Sebastian.
Altas skipper Patrick Sleat turned in a solid performance with 13 points and seven assists, improving their record to 2-4. San Sebastian, still in search of a win, was led by team captain Rafael Are, who tallied 11 points and seven boards.
For the 1-4 JRU Heavy Bombers, Sanlea Peñaverde carried the load with 20 points.
The Scores:
First Game
MU 76— Gonzales 21, Escamis 13, Cuenco 9, Nitura 8, Callangan 6, Igliane 6, Gulapa 5, Abdulla 3, Recto 2, Delos Reyes 2, Concepcion 1, Sapasap 0, Lazarte 0
JRU 68— Peñaverde 20, Garupil 15, Argente 11, Lozano 7, Herrera 6, Panapanaan 5, Benitez 2, Pangilinan 2, Castillo 0, Esguerra 0
Quarterscores: 17-20, 40-38, 57-56, 76-68
Second Game
EAC 66— Quinal 15, Bagay 11, Dominguez 10, Omandac 9, Angeles 7, Castillo 6, Loristo 2, Shanoda 2, Doria 2, Cudiamat 0, Tolentino 0, Yanes 0, Jacob 0, Cosa 0, Ochavo 0
AU 64— Vinoya 14, Ongotan 13, Libang 13, Cabotaje 5, De Leon 3, Buenaventura 3, Demetria 2, Borromeo 2, Flores 2, Hernal 1, Camay 0, Geronimo 0, Miller 0, Abiera 0, Espiritu 0
Quarterscores: 14-18, 29-29, 52-41, 66-64
Third Game
UPHSD 75— Sleat 13, Gojo Cruz 12, Abis 9, Boral 9, Orgo 9, Nunez 6, Cristino 5, Tulabut 4, Roluna 4, Gelsano 2, Duremdes 2, Maglupay 0, Alcantara 0, Casinillo 0
SSC-R 61— Gabat 11, Pillado 10, Cuajao 8, Are 8, Nepacena 8, Felebrico 6, Castor 5, Ricio 5, Gomez de Liaño 0, Lumanag 0
Quarterscores: 17-12, 37-33, 63-43, 75-61
