The EAC Generals finally ended their winless start in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament, overcoming the San Sebastian Golden Stags, 94‑87, on Tuesday.
Both teams entered the matchup still searching for their first win, resulting in a competitive opening half.
EAC started strong and took a 35‑26 lead after the first quarter, but San Sebastian responded in the second period. The Golden Stags outscored the Generals to take a 54‑51 advantage into halftime.
EAC regained control in the third quarter behind MJ Raymundo and Wilmar Oftana. Raymundo scored 10 points in the period, while Oftana knocked down three‑pointers as the Generals outscored San Sebastian, 27‑14. The surge gave EAC a 78‑68 lead heading into the final frame.
Golden Stags Mount Another Fourth‑Quarter Rally
San Sebastian refused to go away as Nurben Muktimar and Khit Barroga connected from beyond the arc to ignite a 12‑3 run.
The rally brought the Stags within one, 81‑80, with 7:29 remaining. Christian Ricio then converted free throws to keep San Sebastian within striking distance at 83‑82.
EAC answered through EJ Castillo, who scored five straight points to restore an 88‑82 advantage with 4:37 remaining. But the Generals still had to survive another San Sebastian push as Muktimar and the Stags continued to threaten down the stretch.
EAC Seals First Win in Final Minute
With San Sebastian still within striking distance, EAC delivered the plays it needed in the final two minutes.
Oftana came up with a crucial steal before scoring on an undergoal attempt to stretch the Generals’ advantage to 92‑87 with 1:51 remaining.
The Stags were unable to produce another basket in the final two minutes, allowing EAC to protect its lead. The Generals then made their free throws in the closing seconds to put the game away. Harvae Raymundo split his charities with 10 seconds remaining, while Jude Bagay came up with a steal to prevent San Sebastian from mounting another late threat.
Oftana and Jacob Shanoda led EAC with 18 points apiece. Oftana also grabbed 9 rebounds, while MJ Raymundo added 17 points and Harvae Raymundo contributed 12.
San Sebastian was led by rookie Nurben Muktimar, who posted 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Ralph Gabat and Arwin Alforque added nine points each.
The Generals also controlled the offensive glass, collecting 19 offensive rebounds that produced 19 second‑chance points.
No Fourth-Quarter Collapse This Time
After the victory, EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes highlighted how his team finally managed to finish a game after struggling to protect fourth‑quarter leads in their previous outings.
“I’m very glad with the first win but sa nakita ko, it was very tough,” Cabiltes said. “Sa lahat ng games namin, first to third, we’re in the game and then we collapse in the fourth. This time, ‘di nangyari ‘yon.”
The victory gave EAC its first win of the season, while San Sebastian remained the only winless team in the tournament at 0‑4.
