Emilio Aguinaldo College survived a furious second-half fightback by Arellano University and carved out a 78-70 victory yesterday to post its first winning streak of the season in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Jerome Garcia led the way with a game-high 25 points, including three triples and spiked it with six rebounds and five assists, while JP Magullano had a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards to power the Generals to their second straight win and fourth overall against 12 defeats.
While EAC is already out of Final Four contention, coach Ariel Sison said he wants his wards to finish the season strong.
“The good thing now is that we’re showing teamwork and I can see the desire in the players,” said Sison, who has three games left in their schedule.
Garcia and Magullano set the tone early as the two combined for 30 points to match AU’s total after the first half when EAC led comfortably, 48-40.
Paced by Levi dela Cruz, the Chiefs tried to mount a serious rally, but EAC’s Hamadou Laminou hit some baskets that quashed the uprising.
AU slipped to 4-10 and is now out of the hunt.
The Scores:
EAC 78 — Garcia 25, Magullano 15, Laminou 14, Bautista 6, Neri 6, Bugarin 4, Mendoza 3, Gonzales 2, Tampoc 2, Corilla 1, Cadua 0, Diego 0.
Arellano U 70 — Dela Cruz 15, Alban 14, Dela Torre 12, Concepcion 10, Alcoriza 6, Bayla 4, Canete 4, Sacramento 2, Ongolo Ongolo 1, Viloria 1, Segura 1, Sera Josef 0.
Quarterscores: 21-11; 48-30; 63-50; 78-70.