Happi’s double-double powers EAC to its first FilOil win

MANILA, Philippines — With its key players returning to form, Emilio Aguinaldo College logged its first win at the expense of San Sebastian, 73-68, Wednesday in the FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

Cameroonian center Noube Happi, who played just his second game back from wrist injury, powered his way to a 19-point and 17-rebound night to help the Generals break into the win column in six tries.

“We’re trying to give everyone a chance to play. This is a tune-up game everybody has a chance to prove their worth. Luckily our defense stayed on,” said EAC coach Gerry Esplana.

“Ngayon pa lang talaga kami nakakapaglaro as a team, kababalik lang ng mga iba naming players like Happi and Morada.”

EAC led by 14 at the half and held a nine-point lead entering the fourth quarter before San Sebastian came back.

“We made stops and we were able to run in the second quarter but we lost our intensity at the defensive end after building the lead,” said Esplana.

Esplana also said that his players still need to work on their conditioning and timing as the NCAA Season nears.

John Monteclaro added 12 points, on four threes while Francis Munsayac had eight points and eight assists.

Jon Rebollos led the Stags, who dropped to 2-5, with 15 points on five-of-eight shooting from long range.