Emilio Aguinaldo College dismantled Arellano University, 77-64, to boost their Final Four bid in NCAA Season 99 on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Generals are now at 8-7, while the also-ran Chiefs went down to 2-12.
After leading by only eight points at the half, 31-23, the Generals pounded on the Chiefs in the third period, 23-16, as the lead ballooned to 54-39 at the end of the said frame.
EAC led by as much as 20, 68-48, after a King Gurtiza layup in the 5:23 mark of the final period, before they eventually took the win.
The Generals also completed an elimination round sweep of Arellano as EAC won their first round face-off, 79-76.
Gurtiza paced the Generals with 23 points to tally his career-high in scoring which he previously had back in October 1 when they faced Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Erlan Umpad stepped up with 12 points and six rebounds, while JP Maguliano had nine points.
T-Mac Ongotan had 11 points, while Ernjay Geronimo had 10 points.
Both EAC and Arellano will return to action on Tuesday as the Generals face Jose Rizal University, while Arellano will take on Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Scores:
EAC 77 - Gurtiza 23, Umpad 12, Maguliano 9, Tolentino 8, Robin 7, Cosejo 6, Bacud 4, Quinal 3, Luciano 3, Angeles 2, Ochavo 0, Cosa 0, Loristo 0, Villaflor 0, Balowa 0.
Arellano 64 - Ongotan 11, Geronimo 10, Camay 9, Capulong 6, Mallari 5, Talampas 5, Dayrit 5, Rosalin 4, Sunga 4, Villarente 3, Yanes 2, Abastillas 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 16-12, 31-23, 54-39, 77-64.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
