EAC Generals’ Mac Balowa. –NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Host school Emilio Aguinaldo College ended its campaign on a high note after defeating Arellano in overtime, 63-62, in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.
The Generals, who finished the season with a 3-15 record, came back from 11 points down to send the Chiefs crashing down to a 7-11 card.
“This is a sweet win despite our situation at the bottom. At least in our last game, we gave not just the (EAC) community, but also NCAA viewers, some good entertainment,” coach Oliver Bunyi said.
EAC’s Mac Balowa finished with 12 points including the all-important three-point basket in regulation to force overtime at 54-all.
Final seconds of the game.
The Generals say 🙅♂️ to an Axel Doromal game-winner to notch their third and final season win. https://t.co/eK8PpHKzf7 pic.twitter.com/2jwM9Zid0U
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) November 22, 2022
The Chiefs were down by three in the extra period, 63-60, when Axel Doromal, who finished with a game-high 25 points, sank a midrange jumper to get the team within 63-62, with 40.5 ticks left.
Arellano forced the Generals to a turnover, leading to another Doromal possession, but this time he bricked a game-winning shot until time expired.
JP Maguliano registered 18 points and six rebounds while Nat Cosejo recorded a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. Ralph Bajon also contributed 12 in the win.
Cade Flores also notched a double-double in a losing effort with 12 markers and 10 boards while Jade Talampas scattered 12 in the loss.
The scores:
EAC (63) — Maguliano 18, Cosejo 14, Balowa 12, Bajon 12, Tolentino 3, Dominguez 2, Bacud 1, Luciano 1, Cosa 0, An. Doria 0, Umpad 0, Quinal 0, Angeles 0.
Arellano (62) — Doromal 25, Flores 12, Talampas 12, Tolentino 5, Oliva 4, Mantua 2, Mallari 2, Oftana 0, Sunga 0, Abastillas 0.
Quarterscores: 13-15, 20-27, 35-41, 54-54, 63-62