The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals drew big games from King Gurtiza and JP Maguiliano to hand the defending champion Letran Knights their third straight upset loss, 75-65, on Sunday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Gurtiza unloaded a career-high 23 points for the Generals, who posted their second straight triumph.
Maguliano put in a double-double effort of 18 points and 11 boards for the Generals, who will have a chance to stretch their winning run to three in their showdown with the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Wednesday.
The win also allowed the Generals to share the lead with the Lyceum Pirates, who seek to stay unblemished against the San Sebastian Stags on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Heavy Bombers quickly got out of a slow start and prevailed over the Mapua University Cardinals, 70-61.
JRU got 18 points from Patrick Ramos as they removed the Cardinals from the lead with their second win in three matches.
The Cardinals, with Clint Escamis making a team-high 19 points, slid to a share of second position with JRU.
Maguliano put together a double-double effort of 18 markers and 11 boards alongside five dimes and one block.