The EAC Generals spoiled Titing Manalili’s much-anticipated return from injury as they held off the Letran Knights in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament to keep alive their hopes of claiming the last twice-to-beat advantage in Group B. Later in the day, the San Beda Red Lions beat the Lyceum Pirates to send them in the play-in tournament of Group A.
EAC Spoils Titing Manalili’s Return With 78-71 Win
The Generals came out strong in the opening quarter, with early contributions from MJ Raymundo and Wilmar Oftana helping them take a 21-17 lead.
Letran briefly seized control in the second period, moving ahead 27-26 after a Jimboy Estrada jumper. However, EAC responded with a 7-0 run to reclaim the advantage and enter halftime ahead, 45-37.
EAC carried its momentum into the third quarter, launching an 11-6 run capped by a Kyle Ochavo three-pointer to extend its lead to 56-43. The Generals continued to pull away, eventually building their biggest advantage at 68-51 following an EJ Castillo basket with 8:18 remaining in the fourth.
Letran attempted to mount a comeback through its full-court pressure, cutting the deficit to 72-61, but Jude Bagay buried a crucial triple with 2:44 left to restore EAC’s 13-point cushion. Jacob Shanoda then sank his free throws to help seal the victory.
Shanoda led the Generals with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, bouncing back from a scoreless performance in their previous game against Perpetual Help.
Bagay added 12 points, while Raymundo contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds. Ochavo and Joseph Nunag chipped in 9 points apiece.
Meanwhile, Manalili finished with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 20 minutes after missing several games due to a sprained right knee. Jimboy Estrada and Aaron Buensalida paced Letran with 15 points each.
With the win, EAC improved to 6-6, tying the Arellano Chiefs for second place in Group B and officially securing a quarterfinal berth. Letran dropped to 8-4 but retained the group’s top spot and its twice-to-beat advantage.
San Beda Sends LPU to the Play-In Tournament
The Red Lions started strong, taking a 20-9 advantage after the opening quarter. However, the Pirates responded in the second period, helping them turn the deficit into a 33-31 halftime lead.
The defending champions entered the final period ahead, 53-47, and appeared to be in command after stretching their lead to 65-54 with just over three minutes remaining. Lyceum refused to surrender, though, as Khen Caduyac scored six straight points to bring the Pirates within five, 65-60.
Daniel Marcelo answered with a midrange jumper to restore San Beda’s seven-point cushion, but Mclaude Guadaña knocked down a crucial triple to trim the gap to just two, 67-65, with 1:38 left.
The Red Lions held their ground in the closing minutes, converting their free throws through Zedjay Etulle, Andrei Ugaddan, and Kyle Jamora to secure the win.
Marcelo led San Beda with 22 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals, while Torculas added 17 points and 9 rebounds. Bismarck Lina also contributed 9 points and 14 rebounds.
Matthew Rubico paced Lyceum with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Jonathan Daileg chipped in 11 points.
The victory extended San Beda’s winning streak to four games, improving its record to 9-3 and tying the JRU Heavy Bombers for first place in Group A.
The Red Lions remain in contention for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Lyceum fell to 4-8, locking the Pirates into fifth place and a play-in matchup against the Mapua Cardinals.
