MANILA – After almost two months, Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals tasted victory anew in the NCAA Season 95 men’s seniors basketball, claiming the scalp of San Sebastian College Stags, 79-75, yesterday at the San Juan Arena.
The Generals’ first win since their 84-82 escape over Lyceum Pirates last July, however, was not flawless. It squandered a 12-point advantage as the Stags tied the count at 73-all with over a minute left.
JP Maguliano brought the lead back to the Generals at 75-73 on an inside basket before Marwin Taywan put the game away for the EAC with two free throws from a foul by Stags’ JP Calma.
“Tagal na masyado. Of course, very happy. It’s nice to say na ito ‘yung bigger win compared to our last win dahil masyadong matagal na. Credit to the players,” said Generals mentor Oliver Bunyi.
Calma and Kriss Gurtiza tallied 16 points apiece while Jethro Mendoza added 15 markers as the Generals moved up to 2-11 slate. Allyn Bulanadi had 28 points for the Stags (7-6).
On Thursday evening, defending champions San Beda University Red Lions heated up in the fourth quarter to score a 75-62 victory over the University of Perpetual Help Altas.
Donald Tankoua finished with 17 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, Calvin Oftana flirted with a double-double with 17 markers and nine boards as the Red Lions made a return trip to the semifinals with its 14-0 win-loss slate.
Mapua University Cardinals, for their part, held Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers to just eight points in the third quarter before weathering the Heavy Bombers’ late game rally to escape with a 72-65 victory./PN
