By: Brenn Allen Flores
After Emilio Aguinaldo College ended San Beda’s 27-game winning streak against them, no one was happier than EAC’s lead general, King Gurtiza.
Gurtiza was visibly emotional and on his knees after finally defeating San Beda for the first time in his collegiate career—this win was deeply personal for him.
“Sobrang naging emotional ako kanina kasi simula rookie year ko hindi ko naranasan manalo sa kanila eh. Sobrang sarap sa feeling talaga,” Gurtiza shared in an interview with the Tiebreaker Times.
In the game, Gurtiza contributed nine points, three assists, and five rebounds.
Before the match, he rallied the Generals and reminded them to bring a winner’s mentality, especially after being romped by Saint Benilde last Saturday.
“Kinausap ko sila kaninang umaga na kapag pumunta tayo dito dapat dalhin natin yong winner’s mentality not just maglalaro lang kami na kalaban yung Beda,” the graduating General said.
Gurtiza had a 0-5 win-loss record against the Red Lions and made it his goal before the season to overcome this San Beda nightmare.
“Yun nga parati kong sinasabi pag tinatanong ko sino team to beat, Beda parin talaga kasi simula nung rookie ko hindi pa ako nananalo sakanila hanggang ngayong last season ko eh,” Gurtiza mentioned before the season.
“Sabi ko nga last season ko na and gusto ko mag-iwan ng magandang mark sa school namin na mapasok na sa Final Four, and hopefully championship.”
With San Beda finally toppled, Gurtiza and the Generals are now focused on breaking another drought—securing a spot in the Final Four for the first time in the team’s history.
“Ang una naming goal is matalo yung Beda so susunod naman is yung Final Four. So ayon, balik trabaho kami agad,” the the 6-foot guard from San Fernando City, La Union said.
“Sana mag-tuloy-tuloy na ‘yong panalo namin and then siyempre nothing to celebrate about, siguro kakain lang kami and then balik trabaho na kami.”
