Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Harvey Pagsanjan in a game against San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament. –NCAA Photo
MANILA, Philippines—
Since joining the NCAA in 2009, Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) has never beaten San Beda.
Until Tuesday.
The Generals finally defeated the Red Lions, 68-55, in the centennial season of the country’s oldest varsity league to end a 27 losing streak against the NCAA’s remaining pioneer squad.
“This first win against San Beda was important [for our season] because if we had lost, we would go down in the standings,” EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes said.
Harvey Pagsanjan came through with 14 points and seven rebounds to give EAC a 2-2 (win-loss) card while JC Luciano had 13 points and eight rebounds.
READ: Ex-UE players Clint Escamis, Harvey Pagsanjan relish NCAA showdown
Yukien Andrada was the sole double-digit scorer for San Beda with 12 points and six rebounds. Rookie Bryan Sajonia had one of his worst games for the Red Lions, who dropped to 2-2, with only three points.
Letran’s Javillonar returns in dominant fashion
Letran’s Paolo Javillonar .-NCAA Photo
In the earlier game, Pao Javillonar returned for Letran after serving his two-game suspension to start the season and he did it in a huge way.
The graduating big man headlined the Knights’ second-straight win at the expense of Arellano, 86-79.
READ: NCAA: Benilde blazes to 3-0 start, San Beda ends Baste streak
Javillonar finished with a game-high 28 points and eight rebounds to power Letran to a 2-1 card. Rookie Sherick Estrada helped the cause with 14 to his name.
The Arellano troika of Maverick Vinoya, Cyril Hernal and Lorenz Capulong tallied 16, 11 and 11 points, respectively, but to no avail as the Chiefs remained winless after three outings.
“We kept the faith,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo, whose wards battled from 12 points down in the third to secure the victory.
“It’s important to always trust the boys. Every minute, I kept reminding them that no matter what happens, nobody should give up regardless of what the lead is. We just had to take it one point at a time.”