NCAA: Graduating Gurtiza hopes to leave lasting legacy at EAC

Emilio Aguinaldo College’s King Gurtiza against San Sebastian in NCAA Season 100.-NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Emilio Aguinaldo College has yet to reach the NCAA Final Four since joining the league in 2009.

Playing in his final year, King Gurtiza hopes to end the Generals’ 15-year drought. Gurtiza and the Generals took one step closer to achieving that goal on Saturday.

“I just want to leave a (lasting) legacy in the NCAA and EAC by entering the Final Four in my last season,” said Gurtiza in Filipino after leading EAC to a 101-94 win over San Sebastian in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

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

“All that’s running in my mind is for us to help each other as a team while trusting our coaches’ system. We have to work together to reach our goal this season.”

Gurtiza finished with a career-high 27 points on top of five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal.

With the win, the Generals forced a three-way tie in fourth place with Letran and Lyceum at 6-6 with only six games left in the elimination round.

READ: NCAA: King Gurtiza exudes leadership in EAC escape

“I’m confident enough because everything that I do in the games, I practice them all every day.”

“My teammates and coaches also give me the trust, which I’m grateful for, so I just let it fly when I have the ball. I’m just doing my role.”

EAC looks to bolster its positioning in the Final Four race on Wednesday against Jose Rizal University.