Emilio Aguinaldo College halted the six-game win streak of Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament, escaping with an 83-76 overtime triumph on Tuesday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
The Pirates were without the services of Shawn Umali, who was suspended for one game following his technical foul and ejection in their game against San Beda University.
The Generals led by as much as 10 in the third quarter after an and-one layup and free throw from Art Cosa gave them a 48-38 advantage.
The Pirates countered in the fourth quarter, led by Mclaude Guadaña, Vince Cunanan, and John Bravo, each of whom scored seven of the 21 points from Lyceum in the final quarter of regulation.
The Generals saw their lead dissipate with 1:17 left on the clock as Vince Cunanan broke free from his defender for an open layup, putting the Generals at a 72-74 disadvantage. King Gurtiza quickly countered with a timely mid-range jumper at 1:00 on the clock to tie the game and eventually force overtime, resulting in a 74-74 score.
EAC was undeterred by Lyceum’s fourth-quarter rally as they outscored the Pirates 9-2 in the extra period and secured the victory.
King Gurtiza had a balanced game on both ends, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and three blocks for the Generals. Nat Cosejo followed with 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks of his own.
Ralph Robin and Nicole Quinal added 13 and 11 points, respectively. JP Maguilano, on the other hand, had a massive game on the boards with eight points and 16 rebounds, 14 of which were defensive.
Generals head coach Jerson Cabiltes credited his players for stepping up in the final moments of the game despite Lyceum’s run.
“Every game our character is being tested. Last two games namin, Last two games namin,we did not finish well, especially our last game against Mapua. So right after that sinabi ko sa players ko, during those times, during those crucial moments, dapat buo ang laro natin,” shared Cabiltes.
The Generals improved to 3-2 for the season, tying with San Beda for fourth place in the standings. They will face San Sebastian College-Recoletos next on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
John Bravo stepped up on the offensive end for Lyceum with 18 points, all of which came in the second half as the Pirates rallied back in the game. Bravo also added nine rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Mclaude Guadaña contributed 13 points, while Enoch Valdez added 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. John Barba and Vince Cunanan chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Lyceum dropped to 6-1 but remained in full control of the top spot in the standings. They will be back in full force against Mapua University on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
The Scores:
EAC 83 – Gurtiza 18, Cosejo 14, Robin 13, Quinal 11, Maguilano 8, Luciano 6, Cosa 5, Ochavo 2, Bacud 2, Tolentino 2, Umpad 2, Angeles 0, Balowa 0, Dominguez 0
LPU 76 – Bravo 18, Guardian 13, Valdez 12, Barba 11, Cunanan 10, Aviles 4, Versoza 3, Montano 2, Pneafiel 2, Omandac 1, Villegas 0
Quarterscores: 18-17, 37-33, 62-53, 74-74, 83-76
