Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Also-ran Emilio Aguinaldo College was at it again, this time pulling the plug on Arellano University’s Final Four bid with a 78-70 win in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Generals raced to a fast start to build a 48-30 halftime lead behind Jerome Garcia and JP Maguliano before holding off the Chiefs’ fiery fourth-quarter rally.
“I’m already seeing the players’ desire [to win],” said EAC head coach Ariel Sison in Filipino. “Hopefully, we continue to win.”
EAC (4-11) notched its second straight win after a stunning 69-67 upset of Final Four contender College of St. Benilde four days ago while also eliminating Arellano (4-10) from playoff contention.
Garcia scored 17 of his game-high 25 points in the first half that went with six rebounds, five assists and one steal while Maguliano added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
“From the start of the season my goal is to get as many wins as possible for the team so giving up is not an option for me even though the losses piled up. I’m just thankful that we’re able to get back-to-back wins,” Garcia said in Filipino.
The Chiefs pulled within five late after trailing by 13 entering the final frame but the Generals responded with Garcia’s lone field goal–a 3-pointer–in the fourth quarter to seal the game, 75-66, with only 1:30 remaining.
“I told them don’t look at the scoreboard. At least what’s important is we’re able to close out the game despite Arellano’s rally,” Sison said.