By MARK REY MONTEJO
KING Gurtiza showed the way as Emilio Aguinaldo College stayed in the hunt for a Final Four spot with a 77-64 romp of Arellano University in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Gurtiza led all scorers with 23 points as he spearheaded the Generals in a huge second half surge that established a 22-point lead which they managed to protect until the final buzzer.
EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes lauded his wards who pulled away and built a 72-50 lead in the final frame, eventually arresting a two-game losing streak while also improving to an 8-7 record.
Gurtiza completed the all-around game, chalking up six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.
The La Union-native, who has been leading the charge for the Generals, said the team needs to be more composed especially with crucial matches coming ahead.
“We need to stay composed, para maging maganda yung finish namin sa season nato at para po makaabot kami sa Final Four na minimithi po namin,” Gurtiza stressed as EAC remained in dire need of victories to move further up the standings.
It’s also not getting any easier for the Generals in the coming days as they are set to face JRU, Perpetual and Benilde – all three teams, likewise aiming to cement their spots in the semifinals – in their last three assignments.
The scores:
EAC 77- Gurtiza 23, Umpad 12, Maguliano 9, Tolentino 8, Robin 7, Cosejo 6, Bacud 4, Quinal 3, Luciano 3, Angeles 2, Ochavo 0, Cosa 0, Loristo 0, Villaflor 0, Balowa 0.
Arellano 64- Ongotan, 12, Geronimo 10, Camay 9, Capulong 6, Mallari, 5, Talampas 5, Dayrit 5, Rosalin 4, Sunga 4, Villarente 3, Yanes 2, Abastillas 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 16-12; 31-23; 54-39; 77-64.