The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals made Premier Cup history on Friday afternoon. However, it was a record that nobody wants to be remembered about.
The Generals were limited to just one point in the second quarter in a 73-52 loss to the defending UAAP champions, Far Eastern University Tamaraws, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
With the Generals leading 17-15 after the opening quarter, the Tamaraws were able to surge past their opponents through the trio of Monbert Arong, Steve Holmqvist, and Richard Escoto.
Moreover, FEU collectively gathered themselves on the defensive end, not allowing a single field goal during that ten minute span. The Generals only scored a single point in the quarter, a split from the stripe by Hamadou Laminou.
“I told them during halftime that they only allowed one point in the second quarter,” said FEU head coach Nash Racela. “Siguro nagfofollow-up lang kami from our last game na we are emphasizing on our defense.”
The Tamaraws were able to cruise past the second half and punch their ticket to the quarterfinals of the tournament, set to start on Tuesday, June 7.
“But generally, we still had a lot of defensive mistakes, too many lapses that would hurt us in the UAAP,” Racela said about their second half performance.
The Generals shot a horrid 23 percent from the field compared to 40 percent for the victors. Moreover, EAC were forced to commit 21 turnovers in the game that led to 11 turnover points.
“It’s a process. At least we are trying to make them to understand the concept of team defense,” Racela said about the surging Tamaraws. “Slowly, they are getting it. It begins with the individual to make a defensive team.”
FEU’s Steve Holmqvist
Arong led all scorers with 20 points on 9-for-16 shooting. He added six boards, three dimes, and two steals in just 20 minutes of action. Steve Holqvist added 19 points.
For the Generals, Laminou notched a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds. Francis Munsayac had 14 points for the 1-6 team.
The Scores:
FEU (73) – Arong 20, Holmqvist S 19, Escoto 7, Nunag 7, Dennison 5, Orizu 2, Trinidad 2, Tuffin 2, Bienes 2, Holmqvist K 2, Delfinado 2, Ebona 2, Comboy 1, Delos Santos 0, Inigo 0, Lee Yu 0.
EAC (52) – Laminou 15, Munsayac 14, Guzman 10, Aguas 4, Pascua 3, Diego 2, Mendoza 2, Umali 2, Corilla 0, Estacio 0, Neri 0, General 0, Aderes 0.
Quarterscores: 15-17, 34-18, 51-34, 73-52.
