Generals blow away Chiefs; Altas score

Perpetual’s Mark Omega (left) and Rafael Are dispute a rebound. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Emilio Aguinaldo got the goods from King Gurtiza in the stretch Friday to turn back Arellano, 79-76, and notch a second straight win in Season 99 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Gurtiza dropped two straight triples in the heat of the nip-and-tuck endgame to give the Generals a 77-74 lead they protected on the way to a 4-2 record. The Chiefs took their fifth loss in six games, but not after putting up a gallant fight.

“Actually, all of them can take the shots. Whoever’s open for us, that’s what we look for,” said coach Jerson Cabiltes in Filipino. “King was open and he’s always ready for that moment.”

JP Maguliano led Emilio Aguinaldo with 19 points, Ralph Robin accounted for 15 points while Gurtiza scored 14.

Jade Talampas led all Arellano scorers with 20 points that went with seven rebounds. INQ