Generals outduel Chiefs to climb NCAA standings

MANILA, Philippines – The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals squeaked past the Arellano University Chiefs, 79-76, to notch their second straight win in the NCAA Season 99 basketball tournament Friday evening at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

With the game tied at 71 with less than two minutes remaining, Jade Talampas hit a big 3-pointer to give Arellano a three-point lead, 74-71.

King Gurtiza, however, hit back-to-back treys to put EAC in the driver’s seat once again, 77-74.

A Nicole Quinal backdoor layup off a slick feed by JP Maguliano bumped the Generals’ cushion to 79-74.

Following a 2-pointer by Arellano to cut the lead to three, 79-76, the Chiefs had a chance to tie the game. But Talampas missed a 3-point attempt as time expired.

Maguliano led EAC with 19 points and seven rebounds, followed by Ralph Robin with 15 points.

Gurtiza recorded 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

Talampas pumped in a game-high 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds for the Chiefs, while Troy Valencia chipped in 16 markers and six boards.

With the win, EAC is now 4-2 for the season to crack the Top 4.

Arellano, meanwhile, dropped to 1-5.