Spirits were high for Emilio Aguinaldo College in the post-game press conference after the Generals escaped from a streaky San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 80-77, in the second round of the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday.
The Generals mounted a 22-point comeback after a rough first-half outing, which helped them reach a 6-4 record, tying with Jose Rizal University for fourth place in the standings.
EAC is vying for its first NCAA Final Four appearance in its brief history with the league. The results in the second round will ultimately determine the fate of their season, and head coach Jerson Cabiltes used these points as motivating words for his squad before their game against Baste.
“Sinabi ko nga sa kanila kahapon, we expect the second round to be much tougher and harder. Every team wants to win, so it’s really challenging,” explained Cabiltes.
“Pumapasok na nga sa utak ko kanina, if we lose this game, it’s gonna be hard for us, kahit na sabihin mong eight games pa, there are lots of tough opponents,” the decorated head coach continued.
“Ito nga yung kalaban namin Baste, anlakas pa rin, hirap na hirap pa rin kami, and then you’re gonna face Lyceum, you’re gonna face the other teams. Talagang mabibigat ang mga kalaban.”
For EAC’s JP Maguliano, though, the veteran forward joked that what motivated him in Tuesday’s matchup was not Cabiltes’ words of encouragement, but the threats that came along with it.
“Unang una namotivate ako sa sinabi ni coach : pag natalo kayo, magkakaroon kayo ng 14 suicides. Yun lang.
“Sabi ko, hindi puwede mangyari yung laro ko sa San Beda dito sa Baste na ito. Tatakbo ako ng katorse tapos buong team pa. Doon pa lang na-motivate ako kaya sabi ko gagawin ko ang lahat para manalo,” the graduating big man shared in jest.
Though Maguliano shared his motivations facetiously, his performance on the court against Baste was no joke. The 6-foot-3 forward bounced back from a four-point, 2-of-11 outing versus San Beda University to score 22 points and grab 11 rebounds on the way to their comeback victory.
“Thankful kami, tinambakan kami nito ng 16 points sa first round eh, and then nagsimula yung laro ulit tinambakan kami ng bente. Sabi ko sa kanila hindi puwede ito. May dalawang quarter pa, hindi puwedeng tuloy-tuloy ito. Kailangan natin manalo kung ayaw niyong tumakbo ng 14 na suicide,” added Maguliano.
Given Maguliano’s impressive performance, the Generals hope Cabiltes’ threats continue to loom over his head for their next matchup as EAC faces a reignited Lyceum of the Philippines University squad on Saturday, at 9:30 a.m.
With Lyceum sitting at third in the standings, the match will have massive implications for EAC’s final four hopes.
