Wilmar Oftana detonates five threes en route to a team-high 19 points as the stretch forward from Sarangani tows the EAC Generals past the Arellano Chiefs, 84-73, on Tuesday at the FilOil Centre.

The win was a welcome scene for Coach Jerson Cabiltes and the Generals who were coming off back-to-back losses against Letran and San Beda prior.

“Thats what I told the boys, we’re at the bottom of the standings in our group right now so this was a very vital game for us, we needed to win this one. Fortunately the boys responded,” Cabiltes said during a post-game interview, lauding the effort of his boys as the Generals avoided a 1-4 hole in Group A. 

Sarangani native Oftana, who emerged as the game’s best player, scattered his 19 markers with maximum efficiency, going 5 of 6 from beyond the arc laced with a perfect free throw clip in only 18 minutes of play. 

Brianne Angeles was a surprise contributor for the Generals, seconding Oftana’s performance with 15 points on 6-of-7 field goal shooting, while lefty scorer Jude Bagay and big man Jacob Shanoda chipped in 12 and 11, respectively. 

EAC’s eruptive second quarter run became the major difference-maker for the Generals as they outscored the Chiefs, 24-14, to end the first half up by 12. 

The Generals also outrebounded (48-37) and outassisted (20-15) their opponents, staying true to Cabiltes’ post-game sentiments about the gameplan to beat Arellano’s energy and hustle.

“From our scouting report, talagang thriving yung Arellano based on their pressure, hustle and effort. So we wanted to match or outmatch that energy. Sabi ko sa kanila I dont want to be outhustled in this game… anyone can step up,” the EAC coach said. 

On the other side, high-flyer Renzo Abiera led Arellano’s offensive schemes with a game-high 23 points, with talented point guard T-Mc Ongotan pulling down 13 points in the losing cause.

Only Abiera and Ongotan scored in double digits for the Chico Manabat-coached squad, who shot a dismal 5-of-28 (17.9%) clip from the three-point line.

EAC improves to 2-3 good for the fourth spot in Group B, while Arellano absorbs their third loss in five games to remain solid at third in Group A.