Generals take charge; Pirates prevail

MANILA, Philippines - Emilio Aguinaldo rode on a big fourth quarter run to rally past Arellano U, 78-73, even as Lyceum marked its NCAA debut with a 75-63 rout of an undermanned St. Benilde side to gain a share of the lead in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Elyzer Paguia, a transferee from FEU, poured in 10 of his game-high 22 points in the fourth period while Milan Vargas and Jan Jamon backed him up with 16 and 13 points, respectively, as the Generals overhauled a 50-59 third quarter deficit to snatch the win.

“It’s a good feeling winning my first game as a coach,” said former PBA star Gerry Esplana, who lost EAC’s last three games last year when he took over from Nomar Isla.

Earlier, the Pirates, accepted as the league’s 10th team on probationary status, took firm control in the second quarter then kept the Blazers at bay the rest of the way for the victory that underscored the  team’s readiness for the big league.

The Blazers played without prolific Carlo Lastimosa, who was downed by a throat infection.

“This is an important win for us because somehow it eased the pressure a bit for us because we’re just new in the league,” said Lyceum mentor Boni Tan.

The victories thus tied the Generals and the Pirates with opening day winners San Beda, San Sebastian and Letran.

It was a sorry loss for the Chiefs, who led by as many as 14 points late in the third quarter only to disintegrate in the face of the Generals’ mighty comeback.

Trailing 50-59 going into the final period, the Generals went to the bulky 6-3 Paguia, who drained three triples, and the sweet shooting pair of Vargas, a former UST mainstay, and Jamon, who combined to outscore the Chiefs, 28-14.

“We scored 28 points in the fourth quarter, it’s unbelievable,” said Esplana.

Chris Cayabyab poured in 20 points he spiked with four triples while Allan Santos, a 6-5 slotman from Adamson, powered his way to 19 points, 17 rebounds and four shot blocks to help steer the Pirates past the Blazers.