By MARK REY MONTEJO
King Gurtiza took charge in the end game as Emilio Aguinaldo College handed the Shawn Umali-less Lyceum its first loss in seven starts with an 83-76 overtime win in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday, Oct. 11.
Gurtiza redeemed himself from a crucial turnover late in regulation, pouring eight of his 18 points in the final and extra periods, including the layup that sent the game to overtime and a booming triple that gave Generals the push they needed in the extension.
EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes, however, played down the big win that ended Lyceum’s hot streak, stressing that his team’s focus is to finish in the top four.
“Lahat naman ng teams competitive, good thing sumusunod ang mga players,” said Cabiltes.
“I’m not here to break any record or winning streak, ang isang streak lang na tinitignan ko is to make it to the final four,” he added.
Gurtiza added eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks while Nat Cosejo ably supported him with 14 points to improve EAC’s record to 3-2.
John Bravo anchored the Pirates with 18 while Guadaña listed 13 points to taste their first loss this season (6-1).
Gurtiza found his rhythm in the second half, leading EAC to a 10-point cushion before Mclaude Guadana and Bravo connived to keep the Pirates within the striking distance before tying the count 72-all under two minutes remaining.
Vince Cunanan scored on a crucial offensive rebound to shove the Pirates ahead but Gurtiza’s floater tied the count at 74-all that sent the game to the overtime.
Back-to-back triples from Gurtiza and Cosejo proved to be dagger to Lyceum’s heart, establishing a 80-74 advantage it didn’t relinquish until the final buzzer.
First Game
EAC 83– Gurtiza 18, Cosejo 14, Robin 13, Quinal 11, Maguliano 8, Luciano 6, Cosa 5, Ochavo 2, Bacud 2, Tolentino 2, Umpad 2, Angeles 0, Balowa 0.
LEYCEUM 76 – Bravo 18, Guadana 13, Valdez 12, Barba 11, Cunanan 10, Aviles 4, Verzosa 3, Montano 2, Penafiel 2, Omandac 1, Villegas 0.
Quarters: 18-17; 37-33; 62-53; 74-74 (OT); 83-76.
