SYDNEY Onwuberre struck with 28 points as the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals outplayed the third-running Jose Rizal University, 88-84, yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The win allowed the Generals to move to solo fourth in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
Toting a 6-6 win-loss record, the Generals are now trailing the third running Heavy Bombers, who have a 7-5 slate.
A 13-3 windup near the end of the fourth allowed the Generals to turn the tables on the Heavy Bombers.
The Generals faced a 71-77 deficit before they took a 84-80 lead off the heroics of Jerome Garcia and Jeric Diego.
Garcia and Diego led a13-3 windup before Onwubere capped the rally with two big plays.
Onwubere first assisted Diego underneath with 1:24 left in the game to give the Generals the lead for good, 81-80.
Then, he hit a three pointer with 57.4 seconds to go to take out the fight from the Bombers for good.
“Wala akong masabi kundi thankful talaga sa Lord and sa mga players ko. They are doing their very best,” said head coach Ariel Sison.
Garcia finished with 16 points and three assists while Diego and Phillip Tampoc had 11 points apiece.
Garcia and Diego strung up 10 points in touching off the run which put them up, 81-80, lead inside the last two minutes.
On the other hand, Onwuberr’s trey off a pass from Francis Munsayac pushed them further, 84-80. with 57.4 ticks to go.
Jed Mendoza tried keep JRU in the fight with his drive at 86-88 with 18.4 seconds.
But Garcia’s freebies allowed the Generals to take the win.
Games Thursday
(at the Arena in San Juan)
12nn Perpetual Help vs Lyceum (jrs)
2 p.m Perpetual Help vs Lyceum (srs)
4 p.m. SSC vs CSB (srs)
6 p.m. SSC vs LSGH