EAC Generals’ JP Maguliano during a game against Letran.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Emilio Aguinaldo College coach Jerson Cabiltes felt under the weather and missed his team’s game against Letran on Friday in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament.
That, however, did not stop the Generals from steamrolling the defending champions, 82-69, giving Cabiltes a reason to feel good about.
Assistant coach Gonzalo Catalan Jr. took charge of the squad that now holds a 7-5 record, following the top coach’s blueprint.
“All coach told us yesterday (Thursday) is we need to win now because if not, we’ll be buried in the standings so in order for us to keep up, we need to get this game,” said EAC deputy Gonzalo Catalan Jr., who steered the Generals to their seventh win in 12 outings, in Filipino.
“He’s (Cabiltes) not feeling that well today so he wasn’t able to join the team but he will be there on Sunday against San Beda.”
JP Maguliano topscored for EAC with 20 points and nine rebounds while Nat Cosejo notched a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards. Ralph Robin also helped the cause with 16 points.
The Knights, who are effectively eliminated after dropping to a 1-11 card, were paced by Kobe Monje’s 14 points while Kevin Santos added 10.
Lyceum, meanwhile, joined Mapua on top following an 86-82 victory over the Cardinals. The Pirates tied the Cardinals at 9-3.
The troika of Patrick Montano and Shawn Umali led the way for Lyceum with 18 and 17 points, respectively, while JM Bravo added 12.
Mapua lost its solo lead in the standings despite another sterling performance from Clint Escamis, who fired a game-high 25 points.