Generals repulse Pirates

Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) continued to find its stride in Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament after beating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 89-79, on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Fresh from its breakthrough win over San Sebastian College, the Generals made it two straight victories to improve to 2-3 win-loss card in the standings.

EAC and Lyceum battled to a 78-all deadlock late in the fourth quarter before the Generals came through in the closing minutes.

A 5-1 run capped by Joseph Nunag’s short stab gave EAC an 84-79 lead with 1:16 remaining.

Matthew Rubico tried to spark a Lyceum comeback, but Wilmar Oftana answered with a dagger three-pointer that pushed the Generals ahead, 87-79, with 45 seconds left.

“I always tell the boys that fourth quarters in the NCAA are very tough,” EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes said.

“Luckily for us, we made big shots and we forced them to turnovers. We were able to win the game at the end.”

Castillo led the Generals with 23 points and three rebounds, while Oftana added 13 points and six boards.

Lyceum dropped to 1-4 despite a double-double from Rubico, who finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Roger Ondoa added 20 points, while Renz Villegas chipped in 11 for the Pirates.