EMILIO Aguinaldo College staved off repeated rallies by Our Lady of Lourdes Technological College-Takeshi Motors to eke out a hard-earned 90-81 win in the 2016 MBL Open basketball championship at the EAC Sports and Cultural Center in Manila.
Igee King, son of PBA legend Abe King, scored six of his 18 points in the final three minutes to lift the Generals of newly-appointed coach Ariel Sison to victory over the hard-fighting Blue Warriors.
King’s heroics came after the Blue Warriors battled back from several double-digit deficits to come to within four points.74-78, and keep the game close and interesting.
Francis Munsayac topscored with 20 points, including three triples, for the Generals, who improved to 2-1 in this tournament supported by Smart Sports, Ironcon Builders, Bread Story, Dickies Underwear, PRC Couriers and Gerry’s Grill.
Ivan Villanueva scattered 23 points, 10 of them in the fourth quarter, to lead OLLTC-Takeshi of managers Ismael J. Alamares and Dr. Jennifer Alamares and coach Monel Kallos.
Joseph Nalos added 16 and William Polican had 11 for the Novaliches-based Blue Warriors, who are seeking to return as founding members of the NAASCU.
Overshadowed by EAC’s victory was Philippine Christian University, which humbled Microtel Plus, 130-82, for its third win in four matches.
Jackson Corpuz mocked all defenders thrown against him to score a game-high 33 points for the Dolphins, who are seeking their first MBL title with former St. Benilde standout Elvis Tolentino as coach.
With Corpuz and Von Tambeling leading the way, the Dolphins raced to an early double-digit advantage and never looked back in posting another dominant victory.
ABL veteran Toto Bandaying led the fight for the Jun Da Jose-mentored Microtel with 16 points.
Julian Sargent added 11, Elmejerab Seraj contributed nine and Christian Pamulaklakin had eight in a losing cause.
The scores:
First game
EAC (90)—Munsayac 20, King 18, Morada 11, Pascua 7, Laminoli 6, Guzman 5, Diego 4, Mendoza 3, Estacio 3, Aguas 3, Mendoza 3, Neri 3, General 2, Corilla 2, Alpiche 0, Umslo 0.
OLLTC-Takeshi (81)—Villanueva 23, Nalos 16, Polican 11, Pineda 8, Marilao 8, Torrado 5, Garcia 4, Burtonwood 4, Castro 2, Brutas 0, Sequilasao 0.
Quarterscores: 25-17, 42-38, 64-57, 90-81.
Second game
PCU (130)—Corpuz 33, Tambeling 18, Vasauez 16, Ayonayon 11, Meruado 8, Catipay 7, Apreko 5, Costan 5, Palatao 5, Malto 3, Bautista 2.
Microtel Plus (82)—Bandaying 16, Sargent 11, Seraj 9, Taladua 8, Managuelod 7, Barnes 6, Pamulaklakin 5, Kalaw 5, Comerciase 5, Catamora 3, Vacaro 3, Sanchez 2, Pablo 2.
Quarterscores: 37-12, 67-30, 93-58, 130-82