Emilio Aguinaldo College snapped its two-game losing streak in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament with a dramatic 90-88 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University on Sunday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre in San Juan City.
The thrilling contest came down to the final 6.7 seconds.
With the score tied at 88 and the Pirates still having three fouls to give before reaching the penalty, it seemed likely that the game would head into overtime.
However, King Gurtiza had other ideas.
As Vince Cunanan attempted to foul him, Gurtiza took a three-point shot, drawing a foul and earning three free throw attempts.
He converted two of those shots, putting the Generals ahead 90-88.
With no timeouts left, the Pirates made one last effort, but Renz Villegas’ Hail Mary attempt fell short, securing the Generals’ third win in seven games and placing them in a tie for sixth with Lyceum.
“Narinig ko yung coach nila (Gilbert Malabanan) at si (Vince) Cunanan na may fouls to give pa sila. Ayun, naisip ko na pagpalapit na siya sa akin, titira ko na. Sakto sa tira ko yun,” said Gurtiza, who finished with 21 points on 7-of-18 shooting, along with five rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
This victory was crucial for the Generals, who had previously lost to the Perpetual Altas and the Letran Knights after a monumental win over the San Beda Red Lions on September 17.
“This game is very vital for us. It’s either we sink or swim, and lucky for us, we were able to stay afloat,” said second-year head coach Jerson Cabiltes.
EAC had a strong start, leading by as much as 18 points at 46-28 before the Pirates began to fight back.
“We were not making our shots. In the second half, nawala. We just needed to grind it out,” added Cabiltes.
Paolo Bagay contributed 11 points, while Axel Doromal added nine for EAC.
Harvey Pagsanjan, Gil Qiunal, and Gelo Loristo chipped in eight points each, and Wilmar Oftana grabbed 10 rebounds along with his six points.
EAC will look to build on this victory as they face Jose Rizal University next on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Pirates, who will take on the Perpetual Altas on Wednesday, were led by John Barba’s impressive performance, which included 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Gyle Montano (14 points), Villegas (12 points), and Simon Penafiel (11 points) provided additional support in the losing effort.
The Scores:
Emilio Aguinaldo 90 – Gurtiza 21, Bagay 11, Doromal 9, Pagsanjan 8, Quinal 8, Loristo 8, Ochavo 7, Oftana 6, Lucero 5, Luciano 5, Jacob 2, Angeles 0, Manacho 0, Umpag 0.
Lyceum 88 – Barba 19, Montano 14, Villegas 12, Penafiel 11, Moralejo 7, Cunanan 5, Daileg 5, Caduyac 5, Aviles 4, Gordon 4, Guadana 2, Panelo 0.
Quarterscores: 28-17, 52-44, 68-69, 90-88.
