JEROME Garcia provided the spark that powered the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals to an 85-79 stopping of the Arellano University Chiefs yesterday at the Arena in San Juan.
The former Adamson University standout, who had 14 points, knocked in two of his three triples during a crucial stretch in the third period.
His efforts helped propel the Generals to their second consecutive win and third place in the standings in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament. The Lyceum Pirates are on top of the standings followed by the San Beda Red Lions.
“We wanted to have two consecutive wins. Ito talaga ang pinaghandaan namin,” said Generals coach Ariel Sison as EAC went on to post third triumph in five games.
Fil-Nigerian cager Sidney Onwuberre shot a game-high 17 points, including one of three charities in the last 26.2 seconds to help the Generals keep their distance from the Chiefs, 82-78.
With the count tied a 55-all in the last 2:53 of the third, the Generals stepped on the gas, moved ahead on a 13-5 blast off Garcia’s two treys and enjoyed a 67-59 spread at the end of the period.
Kent Salado knocked in 11 of 24 points in the fourth as the Chiefs fought back to within four, 76-80, off Brylle Meca’s drive with 2:10 left.
The Generals lost Cameroonian cager Hamadou Laminou to injury after his knee gave out on him in the last 2:42.
Onwubere continued to show MVP form and fired a team-high 17 points including four booming triples on top of 14 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal to help fill the void left by the 6-9 Laminou.
“He (Laminou) will undergo an MRI and we hope it’s nothing serious,” said EAC coach Ariel Sison. “Good thing Sydney stepped up big for us.”
In junior action, Kobe Camacho unloaded 24 points while Aaron Fermin added 15 points and 17 rebounds to tow the Arellano University Braves to an 83-65 demolition of the EAC Brigadiers.
Coach Tylon Darjuan said the Braves’ fourth win in six outings helps prepare the team for tougher matches ahead.
Camacho hit seven points right after the Brigadiers threatened, 34-37, and the Braves went on to earn an 11-point lead, 45-34, with 5:02 to go.
This put the Braves in third, behind the Mapua Red Robins and the La Salle Greenhills Junior Blazers.