Howard Mojica came out showing his MVP form as Emilio Aguinaldo College subdued National College of Business and Arts, 25-22, 25-22, 25-23, to stretch its perfect run to four games in Group A of the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference Monday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Mojica, the reigning NCAA MVP, erupted for a game-high 24 points to power the Generals, who spoiled the Wildcats’ second try at nailing a quarterfinal berth.
La Salle, though, succeeded in advancing to the next round after clipping St. Benilde, 25-18, 25-19, 17-25, 25-15, to gain solo second in Group B with a 3-1 card.
Raymark Woo tallied 12 kills and four aces to pace the Green Archers with a 16-point total. John Arjay Onia also chipped in 15 markers.
In the other Group A match, Mapua posted a 25-17, 25-23, 25-23 triumph over University of the East, its first in four outings.
Philip Bagalay and Anjo Pertierra led the Cardinals’ breakthrough win with 10 markers each.
In the third set, Mojica unleashed a crucial hit that put his squad at match point, 24-23, as the Generals rallied from an 18-20 deficit against the Wildcats.
Mojica finished with 15 kills, three blocks and all but one of the Generals’ seven aces.
Although EAC coach Rodrigo Palmero commended the Generals’ showing, he said his wards tend to take some foes for granted.
“The team still has a tendency to relax,” Palmero said of the Generals, the NCAA titlists.