After losing their first game against De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde–La Salle Green Hills, Emilio Aguinaldo College is now on a seven-game winning streak after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 64-57, on Saturday in the NCAA Season 101 juniors basketball tournament.
It was a wire-to-wire win for the Brigadiers, whose strong start put them in front, 24-13, by the end of the first period before extending their lead to 40–29 at halftime.
The Junior Pirates tried to mount a comeback in the second half and pulled within six, 58–52, with 6:02 remaining in the fourth period. However, a John Dela Cruz layup and a Xyriel Macahipay basket gave EAC a 10-point cushion that virtually sealed the victory, despite a late 5–2 run by the Pirates.
Macahipay posted a double-double of 16 points and 17 rebounds, along with three steals, two blocks, and one assist. Kelly Coronel, meanwhile, added 15 points and eight rebounds.
Steven Creus had 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Junior Pirates, while Jericho Abrantes chipped in 14 points and nine boards in the losing effort.
EAC now holds a 7–1 record to sit atop Group B, while LPU drops to 2–5.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
