Big men Wilmar Oftana and Jude Bagay took charge as the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season, overpowering the San Sebastian Stags, 86-71, in Season 101 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Arena on Friday.
The twin-tower tandem of Oftana and Bagay sparked EAC’s highest scoring output in six games, propelling the Generals to their third straight victory and solidifying their rise in the standings.
“We see Jude’s strength on the post, and we need to capitalize on that. Wilmar is a natural four (power forward), and it’s not easy for teams to help on his man, so we’re playing to both of their strengths,” said EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes.
The 6-foot-3 Oftana tallied one of his best outings of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while the 6-foot-2 Bagay added 17 points, improving on his previous 15-point effort.
Despite a strong showing from Jhuniel de la Cerna, who led San Sebastian with 20 points, the Stags fell to 2-4.
Cabiltes said the team is beginning to find its rhythm and right player combinations as the tournament intensifies.
“Ang sabi ko lang sa mga bata ay we need to win this game kasi ‘yong grupo namin na may Letran, CSB, at Beda, umaangat na ‘yong wins,” he added.
The Generals broke the game wide open in the third quarter after holding a slim 38-37 halftime edge. A pair of three-pointers from Oftana and Nico Quinal fueled a 44-37 cushion with 8:55 remaining in the period.
Bagay then asserted his inside dominance late in the game, scoring key baskets — including one with 44 seconds left — to push EAC safely ahead, 63-53, and effectively seal the outcome.
Earlier, the EAC Brigadiers leaned on two clutch free throws from Ethan Carnija in the final five seconds to escape with an 83-81 victory over the San Sebastian Staglets in the juniors division.
Kelly Coronel paced the Brigadiers with 24 points, helping the team seize the Group B lead at 5-1.
