Behind a career performance from Nico Quinal, Emilio Aguinaldo College returned to the win column in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament, defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 84-75, on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Quinal delivered 18 points in the victory, steering the Generals to a 3-1 record in the crossover round of the Grand Old League and evening their overall slate to 4-4, tying the JRU Heavy Bombers for fourth place in Group B.
“We played this round with a sense of urgency. We started 1-3, and I told the boys that every team in our bracket already has four wins, so we really needed this one. Hopefully, this win sparks a streak,” said Generals head coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Though the Pirates kept the game close through three quarters, the Generals took full control in the final frame behind the combined efforts of Deo Lucero and Brianne Angeles, who scored 14 of EAC’s last 22 points.
Lucero and Angeles also anchored EAC’s defense in the fourth, holding Lyceum to just 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting in the final 10 minutes.
Former Pirate Jearolan Omandac chipped in 17 points, while Lucero added 14. Jude Bagay also bounced back from early foul trouble to finish with 10 points and three rebounds.
“We want to utilize our bench and not just rely on our starters,” added Cabiltes.
EAC will wrap up its crossover campaign against the Mapua Cardinals on October 28.
Meanwhile, Lyceum — coming off its first win of the season against JRU last October 21 — was paced by Renz Villegas with 18 points, while Joshua Moralejo, John Barba, and Jonathan Daileg each contributed 16 points.
The Pirates will look to bounce back when they face the Benilde Blazers on October 28.
The Scores:
Emilio Aguinaldo 84 – Quinal 18, Omandac 17, Lucero 14, Bagay 10, Oftana 7, Angeles 6, Loristo 4, Shanoda 4, Postanes 2, Tolentino 2, Castillo 0, Bacud 0, Jacob 0, Doria 0.
Lyceum 75 – Villegas 18, Moralejo 16, Barba 16, Daileg 16, Casino 4, Penafiel 2, Matienzo 2, Montano 1, Aviles 0, Aurigue 0, Pallingayan 0, Paulo 0.
Quarterscores: 26-22, 44-46, 62-61, 84-75.
