Raymundo, Shanoda Power EAC To Breakthrough Win Over San Sebastian

Emilio Aguinaldo College finally entered the win column in NCAA Season 102, surviving a late rally by San Sebastian College-Recoletos to secure a 94-87 victory at the Playtime Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Wilmar Oftana anchored the Generals' attack with a team-high 18 points, nine rebounds, and four three-pointers. Big man Jacob Shanoda matched Oftana with 18 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting clip and five rebounds, while MJ Raymundo sparked the team in the third quarter with 17 points and five steals.

After taking a 35-26 lead in the opening quarter, EAC built a 10-point cushion early in the fourth frame. However, the Stags mounted a comeback to trim the gap to just three before the Generals responded with crucial defensive stops down the stretch to pull away.

EAC Head Coach Jerson Cabiltes expressed relief following the victory while pointing out areas for improvement as the competition heats up.

"Actually, I'm very glad that we have our first win," Coach Jerson said. "As nakita natin, it's very tough. Even though kasi lahat ng games namin, first to third quarter we're in the game, and then we had a fourth-quarter collapse. Buti na lang, this game, we were leading by 10 again at the start of the fourth, and then San Sebastian was able to cut it down to three. Buti na lang my players responded after that."

Coach Jerson also commended the team's balanced offense and timely contributions from his core players, including Raymundo's hot streak in the second half.

"In our team, anybody can score," Cabiltes noted. "Our primary concern today is defense—everyone should play defense. On offense, everyone could shoot kung sino 'yung available. Good thing nagkaroon ng hot streak si MJ and maganda roon. Hinahanap din siya ng teammates niya. 

San Sebastian was led by Nurben Muktimar's 12 points, while Ralph Gabat, Arwin Alforque, and Niel Castor scored nine points apiece in the defeat.

The victory provides a huge confidence booster for EAC as they prepare for their next match against Lyceum of the Philippines University.

"It's a big boost, of course, for the confidence of the boys that we were able to get this win going to our next game against LPU," Cabiltes added. "They're definitely a tough team, so it's going to be a good game again."

The Scores:

EAC 94 – Oftana 18, Shanoda 18, Raymundo M. 17, Raymundo H. 12, Nunag 8, Castillo 8, Bagay 5, Ochavo 2, Luna 2, Sealey 2, Bonus 0, Coronel 0, Buen 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 87 – Muktimar 12, Gabat 9, Alforque 9, Castor 9, Ynot 8, Segovia 7, Acosta 7, Bacani 6, Barroga 6, Cuya 6, Velasco 4, Dimaunahan 4, Cruz 2.

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media