TOP PERFORMER. Emilio Aguinaldo College's JP Maguliano (No. 11) challenges the defense College of Saint Benilde's Mark Sangco during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 men's basketball at Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Friday (Oct. 20, 2023). The Generals won, 78-76, with Maguliano scoring 17 points. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – Emilio Aguinaldo College limited College of Saint Benilde to only three points in the final three minutes to escape with a 78-76 win in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men's basketball at Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Friday.
JP Maguliano scored 17 point to pace the Generals, who collected their fifth win in eight outings and joined the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in fourth place.
Ralph Robin, Nat Cosejo and King Gurtiza also registered double-digit scores for EAC, which trailed 35-39 at halftime and 53-57 in the third quarter.
Robin had 16 points, three rebounds and two assists; Cosejo added 12 points and eight rebounds; and Gurtiza chipped in 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
“We made some adjustments in our defense. We used half-court press to catch up,” EAC mentor Jerson Cabiltes said after the match.
Maguliano, who also came up with 12 rebounds, two assists and one steal, acknowledged his teammates’ efforts.
"Kaya lang naman nagiging maganda pinapakita ko dahil sa tulong ng teammates ko dahil hindi ko kaya mag isa. Tulong tulong kami (I perfored well with the help of my teammates. I can't do it alone. We help each other)," he said.
Robi Nayve finished with 23 points, including five triples, to go with eight rebounds and three assists for St. Benilde, which absorbed its fourth loss in eight games.
Miguel Corteza contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Will Gozum had 14 points, five rebounds and two blocks. (PNA)
