EMILIO Aguinaldo College was more than happy to play the spoiler role, dealing Letran the 78-71 defeat on Thursday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Not only did the Generals ruin Titing Manalili's return to action for the Knights late in the NCAA Season 102, they also clinched a quarterfinal spot and kept themselves in contention for a top two finish in Group B.
Jude Bagay delivered the crushing blow with his three with 2:44 left, restoring the 13-point EAC lead, 76-63, to stave off repeated rallies from Letran.
He finished with 12 points and three rebounds, complimenting Jacob Shanoda's 16 points, eight boards, and two assists, and MJ Raymundo's 10 and seven.
Kyle Ochavo also caught fire with three treys for his nine points, six boards, and four assists as the Generals asserted control in a fiery third frame and stretched the lead to as big as 17, 68-51.
But turnovers kept the window open for the Knights, allowing them to rally and make the game close late.
"I didn't like how we finished the game. We emphasized our defense and press break pero yung cross court passes namin, magaling talaga ang Letran in cutting the passing lanes and still the boys committed those kinds of errors," lamented coach Jerson Cabiltes as EAC gobbled the ball up 22 times leading to 20 points for Letran.
Still, the Generals would like to focus on the present as this win levels EAC with Arellano at 6-6, making their final clash on Monday a battle for the bracket's no. 2 spot and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
"Ever since the start of the season, nagpe-prepare kami for this moment. Ina-aaspire namin to be in the top two and now that we're given a chance, hopefully we can take it," said Cabiltes.
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