EMILIO Aguinaldo College scratched and clawed its way to a gutsy 79-75 upset win over San Sebastian to snap its 10-game losing skid in NCAA Season 95 seniors basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Kriss Gurtiza picked the right time to have his best performance of the tourney with his career-best 16 points and seven rebounds as the Generals slayed their second contender this season after earlier taking down Lyceum in the first round.
"Ang tagal na masyado," sighed coach Oliver Bunyi as his side finally got a victory after EAC's 84-82 shocker last July 14.
JP Maguliano also poured seven points, 15 rebounds, and two assists, including the go-ahead putback with 28.8 seconds remaining that put EAC up, 75-73.
Though he missed the additional freebie, Gurtiza secured the crucial offensive board.
JM Calma, though, fouled Marwin Taywan with just two seconds left in the shot clock, allowing the lead playmaker extending the lead to four, 77-73, with 14.7 ticks left.
Taywan also finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Jethro Mendoza shot 5-of-10 from deep to wound up with 15 points and two boards.
"Of course, very happy. It's nice to say na ito yung bigger win compared to our last win dahil masyadong matagal na. Credit to the players," said Bunyi as his side improved to 2-11.
Allyn Bulanadi led San Sebastian with 28 points and three rebounds, while Alvin Capobres had 13 points and eight boards in the defeat.
It was the Golden Stags' third straight defeat to drop to 7-6, now tied for fourth with streaking Mapua.
The Scores:
EAC 79 -- Taywan 16, Gurtiza 16, Mendoza 15, Maguliano 7, De Guzman 7, Boffa 6, Corilla 3, Martin 3, Gonzales 2, Luciano 2, Dayrit 2, Estacio 0, Cadua 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 75 -- Bulanadi 28, Capobres 13, Ilagan 10, Desoyo 10, Calahat 7, Calma 3, Sumoda 2, Villapando 2, Tero 0, Altamirano 0, Isidro 0, Cosari 0.
Quarters: 20-14, 34-24, 55-49, 79-75.