MANILA, Philippines–Jethro Mendoza capped his game-long brilliance with a drive in the final 1.5 seconds to lift the EAC Generals past the Lyceum Pirates, 84-82, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.
The Generals weathered the rally of the Pirates, who erased an 18-point deficit and even took the driver’s seat at one point near the end.
Mendoza, on his final year with EAC, then saved the Generals by asserting himself for the game-winner that put them on the win column.
The Pirates, who tied the Generals at 1-1, got another solid output from JC Marcelino’s 23 points.
The Scores
EAC 84– Taywan 21, Mendoza 21, Carlos 11, Maguliano 10, Tampoc 8, Martin 5, Gonzales 4, Gurtiza 2, Luciano 2, Estacio 0, Cadua 0.
LPU 82 — JC. Marcelino 23, Caduyac 17, David 9, Tansingco 7, Ibañez 6, JV. Marcelino 5, Valdez 5, Remulla 2, Navarro 2, Yong 2, Guinto 2, Santos 2, Laurente 0, Pretta 0.
Quarterscores: 14-22, 40-39, 66-55, 84-82.