ONE would think Emilio Aguinaldo College’s gripping 83-76 overtime decision over erstwhile unbeaten Lyceum two days back would be enough to make Generals coach Jerson Cabiltes giddy.
Think again.
“I’m not here to break any records or any winning streak or anything. Isa lang ang streak na tinitingnan ko–making it to the Final Four,” Cabiltes said. “I’m hoping that they will work hard in order to get there.”
EAC’s grit will be tested anew when it battles Arellano University today in the 99th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The game is set at 4 p.m., with the Generals aiming to improve their 3-2 mark and tie idle Jose Rizal University for third.
Cabiltes will lean on the likes of King Gurtiza, Ralph Robin, Nicole Quinal, and JP Maguliano to deliver.
The Chiefs are not lacking motivation going into the duel, having scored a breakthrough 87-80 win over reigning three-time champion Letran last Sunday.
“Basta iyong pusong palaban ng Arellano, iyong ang pinanghahawakan namin,” Arellano strategist Chico Manabat said.
Dominic Dayrit, Felix Villarente, Jade Talampas, Lars Sunga, and Joshua Abastillas are expected to carry the fight for the Chiefs in their bid to improve their 1-4 slate.
The Golden Stags of tactician John Kallos stunned streaking Jose Rizal University 72-59 three days back.
San Sebastian will count on Jessie Sumoda, Romel Calahat, Raymart Escobido, Rafael Are, James Una, and Alex Desoyo to deliver and help the Stags hike their 2-3 record.
“Jessie is a good player, nagkakataon lang na na-scout siya ng mga kalaban. Siyempre, alam naman natin na isa siya sa mga beterano natin,” Kallos said of the burly Sumoda.
“Naging vocal siya sa mga teammates niya and that’s why nag-respond talaga lahat.”
With a 1-4 card, the Altas are bidding to rebound from an 80-86 defeat at the hands of College of St. Benilde last Tuesday.
Perpetual will draw strength from Arthur Roque, Christian Pagaran, Cyrus Nitura, Mark Omega, and Jielo Razon.
