Lefty Robin tallied 13 points, including back-to-back triples that gave the Generals enough cushion, 76-72, with under two minutes remaining in the final period to complete their comeback.
Robin erupts as Generals survive Golden Stags scare
At a glance
Ralph Robin erupted in the final frame as Emilio Aguinaldo College overcame its lethargic start and survived San Sebastian, 80-77, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Lefty Robin tallied 13 points, including back-to-back triples that gave the Generals enough cushion, 76-72, with under two minutes remaining in the final period to complete their comeback.
It was EAC’s sixth win in 10 matches, tying with JRU. Jp Maguilano pumped in 22 points and collared 11 rebounds while Nat Cosejo added 16 points for the Generals, who rose from a 36-14 second-quarter deficit en route to the victory.
The win also spoiled Alex Desoyo’s hot-shooting night for the Heavy Bombers as Brianne Angeles chipped in eight points, and Joshua Tolentino and King Gurtiza had six points apiece to provide ample support for the Generals.
EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes said their defense was the key to their come-from-behind win. "I told them na the only way to come back in the second half is to play tough defense, yun lang," Cabiltes said.
"Credit to the boys na nag-respond sila sa challenge na 'yon," he added.
EAC found its rhythm in the third period when Maguliano and Cosejo delivered the needed baskets to pull away with a 52-46 lead.
However, San Sebastian regained its tempo to grab the 65-54 upperhand in the opening minutes of the payoff period.
Jessie Sumoda, Tristan Felebrico and Desoyo tried to save the Stags from squandering the huge lead, but the Generals had different things in mind as the gallant effort of Robin prevailed in the waning minutes.
Desoyo registered 24 points while Felebrico scored 12 points in a losing effort for San Sebastian, which suffered its seventh loss in 10 outings.