THE Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals got big plays from Sidney Onwuberre, Hamadou Laminou and Remy Morada to smother the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 76-56.
Onwuberre drilled in a game-high 16 points for the Generals, who posted their third win in nine games at the end of their first-round assignment Thursday in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
Coach Ariel Sison expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Generals, who surpassed their showing last season when they only had two wins.
“Very sweet. At least we surpassed our record last season,” said Sison.
Laminou provided 14 points, while Morada had 13 for the Generals.
They got a combined 22 points from Onwuberre, Laminou and Morada in moving away, 40-33, at halftime.
In the junior division, the Mapua Red Robins drew 15 points from newcomer Clint Escamis and Sherwin Concepcion as they smashed the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 100-76.
The Robins stayed on course for a Final Four seat with their 6-2 record in third.
“Nakabawi na kami,” said Red Robins’ coach Randy Alcantara as they rebounded from a previous loss to the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs.
La Salle Greenhills, led by Troy Mallinlin with 22 points and Haribon Espinosa and Vincent David with 14 and 12 points, respectively, outplayed the EAC-ICA Brigadiers, 87-74, to improve to 5-3 and stay in fourth spot.
“We’re playing catch up with our win. There are three other teams seeking to move up, and we are aware of that. The boys had an attitude of being complacent in the first half. But it was the defense in the second half that did it,” said LSGH coach Marvin Bienvenida.
Meanwhile, the University of Perpetual Help Altas held the Mapua Cardinals to just eight points in the first period to pull off a 71-51 rout.
The Altas, led by Gab Dangangon with 20 points and 11 rebounds, went on to post their fifth second triumph, finishing the first round in second spot with their 7-2 win-loss card.
“We are happy sa pinakita nila. Nagbunga ang paghihirap at sakripisyo namin. Pero, wala kaming luxury mag-celebrate,” said Altas coach Jimwell Gican.
Games Today
(The Arena in San Juan)
12 noon Lyceum vs Letran
2 p.m. San Beda vs San Sebastian
4 p.m. JRU vs Arellano