NCAA: Generals secure twice-to-beat bonus, edge Chiefs to sweep second round

Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Jude Bagay against Arellano University in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Emilio Aguinaldo College secured the last twice-to-beat bonus in Group B after edging Arellano University, 102-93, in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball on Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Generals swept all of their four second-round assignments to clinch the second seed in Group B, which came with the quarterfinals incentive, as Jude Bagay and EJ Castillo led the way in their team’s seventh win in 13 games.

Bagay tallied 23 points and three assists, while Castillo scored the same amount with four rebounds, two assists, and a steal for EAC, which also won by more than the five-point margin it needed to account for its 91-87 loss to Arellano in the first round.

EAC will now prepare to face either defending champion San Beda University or College of Saint Benilde, as the two squads battle for the No.2 seed in Group A on Tuesday.

Also starring for the Generals was Wilmar Oftana, who finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and a block, while Jacob Shanoda drained a three-pointer in the final seconds to restore a 12-point cushion and seal the victory.

Basti Valencia kept Arellano’s hopes alive with 23 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while King Vinoya added 22 points and nine rebounds as the Chiefs trimmed their 13-point deficit to as low as four.

However, their efforts went for naught as they absorbed their seventh loss in 13 outings. Arellano will also face the second seed of Group A in the quarterfinals carrying a twice-to-beat disadvantage.

EAC 102 – Bagay 23, Castillo 23, Oftana 18, Shanoda 9, Nunag 8, Harvey Raymundo 8, Ochavo 6, Mj Raymundo 4, Bonus 3, Sealey 0, Coronel 0, Baniqued 0, Mundas 0, Lanceta 0, Buen 0.

Arellano 93 – Valencia 23, Vinoya 22, Abiera 18, Ongotan 9, Hernal 6, Langit 4, Flores 4, Borromeo 3, Manansala 3, Buenaventura 1, Geronimo 0, Camay 0, Cabotaje 0.

Quarterscores: 31-30, 64-56, 82-74, 102-93.