The EAC Generals during their game against Lyceum in the NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament, October 2, 2026 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Angela Davocol, NCAA Philippines
MANILA — Emilio Aguinaldo College claimed its second win in the NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament on Friday after pulling away from Lyceum, 89-79, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Generals built on a previous win against San Sebastian to improve to 2-3 in the tournament.
"I always tell the boys that fourth quarters in the NCAA are very tough," coach Jerson Cabiltes said. "Luckily for us, we made big shots and we forced them to turnovers. Sa dulo, nakuha namin 'yong laro."
From a 78-all deadlock in the fourth, the Generals uncorked a crucial 5-1 scoring blast capped by a Joseph Nunag bucket that put them ahead, 84-79, with 1:16 to play.
Matthew Rubico tried to breathe some life to Lyceum but to no avail, allowing Wilmar Oftana to drop the dagger triple that gave EAC more breathing room, 87-79, with just 45 seconds to go.
EJ Castillo top scored for EAC in the win with 23 points and three rebounds to match. Oftana helped the cause with 13 markers and six rebounds in the win.
The Pirates dropped to a 1-4 card but not without Rubico's double-double of 21 points and 10 boards. Roger Ondoa and Renz Villegas also scattered 20 and 11, respectively, in the defeat.
The scores:
EAC 89 - Castillo 23, Oftana 13, Bagay 12, H. Raymundo 9, M. Raymundo 9, Nunag 8, Bonus 6, Shanoda 6, Baniqued 3, Ochavo 0, Coronel 0, Sealey 0, Mundas 0, Buen 0
LPU 79 - Rubico 21, Ondoa 20, Villegas 11, Matienzo 8, Aurigue 7, Penqafiel 6, Pallingayan 3, Aviles 2, Manuel 1, Guadana 0, Panelo 0, Fuentes 0, Cardinas 0, Daileg 0, Caduyac 0
Quarter scores: 20-26, 55-44, 65-64, 89-79