Emilio Aguinaldo College arrested its two-game losing skid with a tight 70-69 escape against struggling Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 97 men's basketball tournament on Saturday.
Marwin Taywan stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, eight assists, three steals, and two rebounds while JP Maguliano tallied 13 markers and 11 boards as EAC improved to 1-2 while Lyceum slid to 0-3.
The Generals, who were coming off twin losses to Mapua University and San Beda University, stepped on the gas right away, even leading by 10, 24-14, in the second quarter but series of turnovers from their side flipped the script.
EAC committed 12 turnovers which the Pirates converted to 11 points as Lyceum cut its deficit to only three at the half, 34-37.
Things started to become nip-and-tuck from that point on as the third quarter ended with the scores all tied up at 52. EAC was also dealt huge blow after King Gurtiza hurt his foot while going for a basket midway through third quarter.
EAC then drew inspiration from the absence of its top guard as they erected an 11-point cushion, 66-55, after a 14-3 run led by two triples from Taywan and Art Cosa late in the fourth.
Momentum momentarily shifted to Lyceum with Enoch Valdez drilling six points as part of a 14-4 run that cut the EAC lead down to one, 70-69.
With only 1.8 seconds left, Lyceum had the chance to take home the win but Mclaude Guadana missed a potential game-winning trey.
The scores:
EAC (70) — Taywan 14, Maguliano 13, Cosa 10, Liwag 8, Robin 6, Quinal 5, Gurtiza 5, Luciano 4, Doria Ad. 2, Cadua 2, Umpad 1, Doria An. 0, Umpad 0, Bunyi 0.
LPU (69) — Bravo 12, Navarro 9, Cunanan 9, Valdez 9, Barba 9, Remulla 8, Larupay 7, Guadaña 3, Gaviola 2, Umali 1, Guinto 0, Silvarez 0, Jabel 0.
Quarters: 22-9, 37-34, 52-52, 70-69
—JMB, GMA News
