The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals snapped two consecutive losses after a late run to win over the Mapua University Cardinals in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament, 77-72, Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
EAC was desperate to hold on to their one-point lead when Sidney Onwubere was the lone hero for the team after putting his fourth triple in the second half of the game 27 seconds remaining to place the Generals with a lead, 73-69.
Jerome Garcia added to Onwubere’s effort to turn the contest back to their side after securing a steal which led to a two-possession chance for the Generals, 75-69
Ten ticks left on the clock, Cardinals’ Leo Gabo answered right back with a triple, but Garcia continued to make a run for EAC and sealed the win.
EAC now has a 2-2 win-loss record, while Mapua fell to 1-3.
“We prepared hard for this game,” said EAC Coach Ariel Sison. “Thankful ako na we did not go to 0-3 and at least hindi nasundan yung dalawang talo namin.”
Fil-Nigerian Onwubere had a season-high 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Jervin Guzman added 13 points, while Fil-Am Juju Bautista scored a double-double 12 points and 11 rebounds after Hamadou Laminou was fouled out of the game with six minutes still left to play.
Gabo led the Cardinals with 19 points, four rebounds and four assists, while JB Flores added 17 points and eight rebounds.
EAC will face Perpetual Altas on Friday, July 28, while Mapua will take on Lyceum Pirates on the same day.
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