Generals brace for clash vs Pirates
The Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals are on the brink of a historic achievement, chasing their first-ever Final Four appearance in the NCAA since joining the league in 2009.
After a hard-fought 69-59 victory over the Arellano Chiefs on Saturday, the Generals have positioned themselves for a critical showdown with the Lyceum Pirates—a game that could determine their place in the semifinals of Season 100 men’s basketball.
For the Generals, who now share fourth place with Lyceum at 8-8, the stakes of their upcoming showdown are high.
“[I]t’s definitely a do-or-die game [against the Pirates]. If ever we enter the Final Four, we have to do it on a roll,” said EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes, emphasizing the importance of momentum.
Stags score
The Generals were led by Harvey Pagsanjan, who delivered an impressive 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
“We just have to be ready for all of their weapons,” Pagsanjan said of their upcoming matchup with Lyceum.
King Gurtiza, who has endured four frustrating seasons with the Generals, finally saw hope for a brighter outcome. His clutch three-pointer with just 37.9 seconds left effectively sealed the win against the Chiefs, knocking Arellano out of contention and putting EAC on the brink of a postseason breakthrough.
Meanwhile, in another matchup, the San Sebastian Stags secured a feel-good victory over the Perpetual Help Altas, 83-72.
Though already out of semifinal contention, the Stags played with pride, led by Tristan Felebrico’s 18 points.
“Although our remaining games have no bearing, I told my teammates that we should still play our best,” said Felebrico.
