NCAA: EAC outlasts Perpetual in OT, keeps twice-to-beat hopes alive

Emilio Aguinaldo College outlasted the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 92-89, in overtime in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the San Andres Gym.

The Generals improved to 5-6, earning a share of second place with Arellano University, which holds an identical record. Perpetual, meanwhile, dropped to 3-8.

EAC appeared poised to claim the victory in regulation, but free throws from Mark Gojo Cruz after a foul by Joseph Nunag and a late jumper by Jim Corpuz forced overtime with the game tied at 83.

EJ Castillo opened the extra period with a jumper before Angelo Gelsano knocked down a three-pointer to put Perpetual ahead. Jude Bagay answered with a basket of his own before Castillo drained a triple to give EAC a 90-86 lead with 2:08 remaining.

Gojo Cruz then completed a three-point play to cut the deficit to 90-89 with 25 seconds left. However, Bagay sank two free throws after drawing a foul from Corpuz to seal the victory, as JM Tulabut missed his final three-point attempt.

Bagay led the Generals with 26 points, two rebounds, two steals, and an assist, while Castillo contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

Gelsano and Gojo Cruz finished with 21 points apiece, while Corpuz added 20 in the losing effort for Perpetual.

Scores:

EAC 92 - Bagay 26, Castillo 15, Ochavo 14, Nunag 13, Oftana 13, H. Raymundo 6, M. Raymundo 5, Shanoda 0, Sealey 0, Mundas 0, Baniqued 0, Bonus 0, Coronel 0.

Perpetual 89 - Gelsano 21, Gojo Cruz 21, Corpuz 20, Tulabut 9, Borja 8, Casinillo 5, Roluna 3, Duremdes 2, Maglupay 0, Orgo 0, Montemayor 0, Cauguiran 0, Cristino 0.

Quarters: 27-27, 47-49, 74-67, 83-83, 92-89.

—JKC, GMA News