Generals Outlast Pirates For Second Straight Win, 89-79

EJ Castillo delivered an explosive performance as the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals held off the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 89-79, to secure their second consecutive victory in the NCAA Season 102 Men's Basketball Tournament at the Playtime FilOil EcoOil Centre on Friday.

Castillo spearheaded the Generals with a team-high 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting from two-point territory. Wilmar Oftana provided support with 13 points, while Jude Bagay added 12 points off the bench. Harvey Raymundo orchestrated EAC's offense with a game-high 10 assists to go with nine points and four rebounds.

After trailing 26-20 at the end of the opening period, EAC unleashed a dominant second-quarter surge. The Generals outscored LPU 35-18 in the second frame to build a 55-44 halftime lead, eventually stretching their advantage to a game-high 11 points at 52-41.

Lyceum made its move in the third period behind Matthew Rubico and Roger Ondoa, employing a 1-2-2 half-court press that disrupted EAC's rhythm. The Pirates held the Generals to just 10 points in the quarter to trim the deficit to 65-64 heading into the final frame.

Rubico pacing LPU with a game-high 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Ondoa chipped in 20 points and seven boards.

In the final period, EAC counter-adjusted against Lyceum's defensive schemes by forcing key turnovers and pushing the tempo in transition.

The Generals outscored the Pirates 24-15 in the fourth quarter to pull away for good.

"I always tell the boys that winning in the NCAA is very tough," EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes said during the post-game press conference. "Towards the fourth quarter, who's going to make defensive stops—'yun 'yung mananalo. Luckily for us, we were able to make stops towards the end.”

EAC's bench output proved crucial, outscoring LPU's reserves 49-32, while also scoring 24 points off 19 Lyceum turnovers.

With the win, EAC continued its momentum following its previous victory over San Sebastian, while LPU suffered its second straight loss.

The Scores:

EAC 89 – Castillo 23, Oftana 13, Bagay 12, Raymundo 9, Nunag 8, Raymundo M. 9, Bonus 6, Shanoda 5, Baniqued 3, Ochavo 0, Coronel 0, Sealey 0, Mundas 0, Buen 0.

LPU 79 – Rubico 21, Ondoa 20, Villegas 11, Matienzo 8, Aurigue 7, Penafiel 6, Pallingayan 3, Aviles 2, Manuel 1, Guadana 0, Cardenas 0, Fuentes 0, Cardenas I. 0, Caduyac 0, Daileg 0.

Quarterscores: 20-26, 55-44 (35-18), 65-64 (10-20), 89-79 (24-15).

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media