EAC strings back-to-back wins, holds off Lyceum

EAC vs LPU. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Emilio Aguinaldo lost an early 16-point lead but went on a late flurry to drub Lyceum, 73-66, Friday in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Hamadou Laminou poured 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Sidney Onwubere got 16 markers and 10 boards.

But the Generals leaned on Francis Munsayac late as he fired 11 of his 15 points in the fourth to spark their 27-point finishing kick.

EAC pulled itself on a three-way logjam at 5-9 with Lyceum and San Sebastian at seventh.

More importantly, coach Ariel Sison notched his first back-to-back wins at the helm for the Generals.

“I’ve been praying for this to happen and it happened today. I told the boys to play as a team,” he said. “Sabi ko sa kanila, whatever the outcome is, do your best. Ganun talaga ang basketball, lalamang ka at hahabulin ka. What’s important is yung composure namin nandyan at yung character namin, nade-develop. It’s a good sign for us.”

EAC took an early 24-8 lead in the second quarter before the the Pirates made a spirited run and even took the lead, 47-46 at the end of the third.

But that was when Munsayac took charge for the Generals, catching fire down the stretch to send Lyceum to its fourth straight defeat.

Adrian Alban topped the Pirates with 18 points and six rebounds, while Mike Nzeusseu got a double-double with 16 markers and 10 boards.

Lyceum also sorely missed the services of injured scorer MJ Ayaay for the game.

The Scores:

EAC 73 – Laminou 20, Onwubere 16, Munsayac 15, King 6, Neri 5, Diego 4, Morada 3, Aguas 2, Serrano 2, Corilla 0, Guzman 0, Mendoza 0, Pascua 0.
LYCEUM 66 – Alban 18, Nzeusseu 16, Marata 9, Alanes 5, Soliman 4, Magbuhos 4, Rubite 3, Bulawan 2, Caduyac 2, Serafico 2, Gabayni 1, Baltazar 0, Malabanan 0.

Quarters: 21-8, 35-24, 46-47, 73-66.