Emilio Aguinaldo College marked Jerson Cabiltes’ debut with a victorious performance, stunning the University of Perpetual Help Systems DALTA, 75-67, in the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
Cabiltes took over from Oliver Bunyi after the conclusion of Season 98.
“It’s good to have a head start winning the first game. But as I’ve said, it’s a long way to go. Pero we’re just thankful lang to get the first win,” said Cabiltes about his NCAA debut.
Throughout the entire 40 minutes of play, the Generals stifled the Altas on the defensive end, limiting Perpetual to a 29-percent shooting accuracy from the field and 0-of-28 from beyond the arc.
While EAC led for most of the match, Perpetual launched a comeback attempt in the second half, eventually tying the game at 57-57 with free throws from Omega at the 9:33 mark of the final quarter.
However, Perpetual’s comeback was short-lived as the Generals embarked on a 15-2 run, led by Robin’s eight points in the fourth quarter, which put the game out of reach, resulting in EAC’s 75-67 victory.
JP Maguillano topped all scorers as he dropped 24 points and nine rebounds.
Ralph Robin was also pivotal with his 12 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter. Nat Cosejo chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds of his own.
Though he only scored one point, JC Luciano contributed all across the board with 14 rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block.
Both matchups between the Generals and Altas in Season 98’s elimination rounds were closely contested. In the first round, Perpetual narrowly escaped with a one-point victory, 55-54, while EAC secured a 59-53 win in the second round.
Carlo Ferreras played a crucial role in keeping Perpetual’s offense going with his double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Marcus Nitura had an all-around performance for the Altas, contributing 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Jielo Razon was absent from the Altas’ lineup due to a suspension resulting from an Unsportsmanlike Foul 2 committed at the end of Season 98. The combo guard had averaged 9.56 points, 5.13 rebounds, and 2.88 assists during Perpetual’s previous season.
EAC now holds a 1-0 record for the season and is scheduled for a challenging matchup against defending champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Sunday at 10:00 AM, also at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
The Altas begin the season with a 0-1 record and are set to face the Lyceum of the Philippines University next on Saturday at 3:00 PM, also at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
The Scores:
EAC 75- Maguliano 24, Robin 12, Cosejo 10, Ochavo 8, Gurtiza 5, Umpad 4, Dominguez 3, Cosa 3, Quinal 3, Bacud 2, Luciano 1, Balowa 0, Tolentino 0, Angeles 0, Ednilag 0
UPHSD 67– Ferreras 16, Nitura 11, Pagaran 8, Omega 7, Roque 6, Abis 6, Boral 5, Orgo 4, Cuevas 2, Gelsano 2, Barcuma 0, Nunez 0, Sevilla 0, Movida 0, Ramirez 0
Quarterscores: 21-16, 43-30, 57-53, 75-67
