SEMIS BID. JP Maguliano of Emilio Aguinaldo College (left) protects the ball from Rafael Go of Letran during the second round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Friday (Nov. 3, 2023). The Generals won, 82-69, to boost their semifinals bid. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – The Emilio Aguinaldo College defeated Letran, 82-69, to boost its semifinal bid in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Friday.
JP Maguliano scored 20 points and nine rebounds while Nat Cosejo chipped in 18 points and 10 boards against the dethroned three-peat champion Letran Knights.
Ralph Robin added 16 points and three steals for EAC, which pulled off a 75-65 victory over Letran in the first round on Oct. 1.
EAC improved to 7-5 and stays at fifth behind San Beda University and College of Saint Benilde, both sporting 7-4 cards.
Kobe Monje finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block while Kevin Santos contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks for Letran, which absorbed its 11th win in 12 outings.
It was a shocking early exit for a team that was a favorite to repeat this year and more painfully, the agony will be prolonged as Letran still has six more games to play.
Mapua is on top of the standings at 9-2, followed by Lyceum of the Philippines University (8-3) and Jose Rizal University (8-4). (PNA)
