By MARK REY MONTEJO 

King Gurtiza steered Emilio Aguinaldo College in overtime and handed Shawn Umali-less Lyceum its first loss courtesy of an 83-76 win in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Gurtiza, despite committing a crucial turnover, redeemed himself after he caught fire and poured in eight of his 18 points in the payoff and extra periods, including his layup that levelled the score to 74 apiece and a booming three to open the overtime for the Generals.

EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes credited his players for following the game plan against Lyceum which saw its six-game win streak come to an end.

“I’m not here to break any record or winning streak, ang isang streak lang na tinitignan ko is to make it to the final four,” he added.

The Pirates actually dictated tempo in the opening frame, outscoring EAC, 17-10. However, the latter would recompose and gain much confidence thanks to JC Luciano and Nicole Quinal who spearheaded an 8-0 spurt going into the second frame.

In the following quarter, Gurtiza orchestrated the offense for the Generals, but Enoch Valdez rallied Lyceum to recapture the lead, 32-30, a lead that didn’t last long after EAC made another 7-1 blitz going into the break, 37-33.

EAC enjoyed a 10-point cushion midway in the third quarter, but Mclaude Guadana and JM Bravo connived to keep the Pirates within striking distance to level the score at 72-all under two minutes remaining.

The Pirates then got ahead after Bravo collared the offensive rebound off Vince Cunanan's missed free throws, with the latter redeeming himself with a layup with 1:15 left.

But Gurtiza wouldn't be denied as he answered with a floater to tie the game at 74-all.

Aside from his scoring prowess, Gurtiza grabbed eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks while Nat Cosejo backstopped him with 14 points to improve EAC’s standing to 3-2.

Bravo anchored the Pirates with 18 while Guadaña listed 13 points.