NCAA: King Gurtiza eager to end EAC’s Final Four drought

EAC’s King Gurtiza in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–King Gurtiza wants to make a big difference in his final year with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.

Always out of the semifinal picture in his first four seasons, Gurtiza has been spearheading the Generals’ campaign for a historic Final Four in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

“My goal is for my team to enter the Final Four and create a legacy for our school,” said Gurtiza after a career game of 27 points during EAC’s 101-94 win over the San Sebastian Stags on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

READ: NCAA: King Gurtiza exudes leadership in EAC escape

As long as they continue to pile up victories in the second round, the Generals will most likely achieve that monumental feat.

With a 6-6 record, they gingerly moved in a triple tie at fourth spot with Letran Knights and the Lyceum Pirates, a record best so far since Gurtiza wore the red and white EAC jersey.

Wilmar Oftana backstopped Gurtiza with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Harvey Pagsanjan was likewise efficient with 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists.

“I wasn’t as aggressive in my last game because I didn’t take as many shots that I usually did. I made sure to get more involved this time,” said Gurtiza, who also lit up the stats sheet with five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal.

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Tristan Felebrico matched the conference high of 30 points that Arellano’s JL Capulong registered in the Chiefs’ 91-86 triumph over the Pirates earlier in the afternoon, but failed to carry the Stags alone.

Reggz Gabat fired four three-pointers, including two in their wild chase to cut down the Generals in the waning minutes, and finished with 21 while San Sebastian’s high-scoring guard Rafael Are added 14 points, nine rebounds and three steals.

“Every game matters. But I always tell my players in the dugout that every possession is also important. It could spell victory or defeat in the end,” said EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes.

The scores:

EAC 101 – Gurtiza 27, Oftana 17, Pagsanjan 16, Quinal 11, Lucero 9, Luciano 5, Ochavo 3, Jacob 3, Bacud 3, Loristo 3, Doromal 2, Bagay 2, Angeles 0, Manacho 0

SAN SEBASTIAN 94 – Felebrico 30, R. Gabat 21, Are 14, Escobido 9, L. Gabat 9, Ricio 6, Pascual 3, Velasco 2, Aguilar 0, Suico 0, Maliwat 0, Barroga 0, Cruz 0, Ramilo 0, Lintol 0

Quarter scores: 28-29, 55-51, 85-69, 101-94