NCAA: EAC clinches quarterfinal berth, spoils Manalili's return

Emilio Aguinaldo College officially secured a spot in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball quarterfinals after defeating Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 78-71, on Thursday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The victory also spoiled the return of Jonathan Manalili, who missed six games due to a sprained knee.

EAC held a 21-17 lead at the end of the first quarter before Letran rallied to take a 23-21 advantage in the second period. However, the Generals responded with a 7-0 run after trailing 38-37 to regain the lead heading into halftime.

EAC continued to pull away in the second half, building a 68-51 advantage with 8:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Knights mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to 76-67 with 44 seconds left.

However, Jacob Shanoda sank his free throws to seal the victory for the Generals despite Letran’s late baskets.

Shanoda finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Jude Bagay contributed 12 points. MJ Raymundo added 10 points for EAC.

Jimboy Estrada and Aaron Buensalida led Letran with 15 points apiece, while Manalili tallied eight points and four rebounds in his return to action.

With the win, EAC improved to 6-6, joining Arellano University in a share of second place in Group B. Letran, meanwhile, dropped to 8-4 but has already secured the top spot heading into the quarterfinals.

Scores:

EAC 78 - Shanoda 16, Bagay 12, M. Raymundo 10, Ochavo 9, Nunag 9, Oftana 8, Castillo 8, H. Raymundo 4, Coronel 2, Bonus 0, Lanceta 0, Sealey 0.

Letran 71 - Estrada 15, Buensalida 15, Cargo 9, Manalili 8, Walker 7, Gammad 7, Santos 6, Hugo 2, Reyes 2, Montecillo 0.

Quarters: 21-17, 45-37, 63-51, 78-71.

—JKC, GMA News