EAC, NCBA subdue Spikers’ Turf rivals

Emilio Aguinaldo College and National College of Business and Arts rose to challenge of gritty opponents to grab a share of the Group A lead in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Rallying from a set down, the Generals leaned on the big games of Howard Mojica and Kerth Melliza to carve out a 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 27-25 triumph over Far Eastern University.

In the nightcap, the Wildcats pulled off another surprise by turning back the Mapua Cardinals, 24-26, 25-20, 26-24, 25-21, just a week after also stunning the Tamaraws in four sets.

Edwin Tolentino unloaded 19 points and Reyson Fuentes added 12 markers as the Wildcats rose from a 16-20 deficit in a blistering fourth-set finish.

Both the Generals and the Wildcats stayed unbeaten in two matches to join idle National University on top.

In Group B, La Salle swept Arellano, 25-17, 25-22, 25-21, to pick up its first victory in two games.

John Onia topscored with 12 and skipper Raymark Woo scored all of his 11 points on attacks to lead the Green Archers.

Mojica, the NCAA MVP, erupted for 27 points and Melliza also helped finish off the pesky Tamaraws with a 19-point production.

“I don’t like it when my players get overconfident when we’re leading because it allows our opponent to get back,”  EAC coach Rodrigo Palmero said of the reigning NCAA champions. “That’s why I kept reminding them to stay focused and never let up.”