The Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals staved off a late College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazer rally to win, 70-64, and even up their slate at 1-1 Saturday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Arena, San Juan City.
The Blazers started hot in the early goings of the game behind a three point shot by Fons Saavedra and the low-post game of JR Ongteco. On the other end, the Generals struggled on the floor in giving up turnovers, due to the Blazers press, and dismal shooting from the field. In the closing three minutes of the quarter, the Generals were only able to score two points. The first quarter ended with the Blazers on top 14-8.
The Generals offense picked up in the second quarter behind Syd Onwubere and Addum Mbang. Onwubre scored nine in the quarter while Mbang anchored the defense for EAC. EAC scored 25 points in the quarter while CSB only managed to score 12 points and, as a result, the Generals headed to halftime with a 33-26 lead.
After playing just two minutes in the first half, CSB team captain Jonathan Grey tried to lead his team to a comeback but was matched point for point by EAC’s spitfire point guard Francis Munsayac. Munsayac, a 5’6 point guard, showed amazing grit by slashing through the lanes to grab fouls or for layups conversions. Munsayac and Mbang, who continued to bully his way in the paint, helped extend the EAC lead to 10 points in the quarter.
Being down by 64-55 with 3:39 remaining in the game, fifth year CSB player Jonathan Grey scored six straight points to pull his team within four points with 54 seconds remaining in the game. The 17-year old Cameroonian center for the Generals, Addum Mbang, took over late for his team to quell the CSB rally and take home the win, 70-64.
Even though CSB shot better from the field at 46% compared to EAC’s 39%, the Generals attempted 12 more free throws and converted on 16 in contrast to CSB’s 8. Moreover, EAC’s defense was solid as they forced 28 turnovers.
Addum Mbang posted a monster statline with 18 points and 17 rebounds. Fons Saavedera and Jonathan Grey combined for 24 points in the loss.
The EAC Generals next play the UPHSD Altas on Friday, May 8 at 1:30pm while the CSB Blazers face the USJ-R Jaguars on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:45am.
The Scores:
EAC (70) – Mbang 18, Onwubre 11, Munsayac 10, Mejos 9, Serrano 8, Aguilar 6, Morada 5, Esplana 2, Pascual 1
CSB (64) – Saavedra 13, Grey 11, Nayve 7, Sta. Maria 6, Ongteco 6, Fajarito 6, Domingo JJ 6, Norberte 2, San Juan 2, Flores 2, Mercado 2, Domingo Js 1
| TEAM | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH |
| EAC (A, 1-1) | 8 | 33 | 51 | 70 |
| CSB (A, 0-2) | 14 | 26 | 41 | 64 |
