SAN JUAN CITY — Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) secured its third consecutive victory and a spot in the next round by defeating Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 78-71, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena on Thursday, November 5.
The Generals improved their record to 6-6, tying Arellano University for third place in Group B and securing a quarterfinal berth following a sluggish 3-6 start to the season. Meanwhile, Letran stayed at the top of the group standings despite the loss, holding an 8-4 record.
Both teams entered the matchup carrying winning streaks, trading baskets in a tightly contested opening half. EAC broke away late in the second quarter, establishing a 45-37 halftime lead following a floater by MJ Raymundo. The Generals continued to pull away in the third period, stretching their margin to 13 points at 58-45 behind the efforts of Jacob Shanoda, before building a game-high 17-point cushion, 72-55, in the final quarter.
Letran mounted a late rally and welcomed back Titing Manalili from a sprained right knee, but EAC’s early separation proved sufficient to preserve the victory.
Shanoda led the bounce-back effort for the Generals, recording 16 points and eight rebounds after being held scoreless in their previous overtime win against the Perpetual Altas.
“No’ng last game kasi namin, talagang na-zero ako against Perps. Sabi sa’kin ni coach Jerson [Cabiltes], kailangan ko bumawi at kailangan ‘di ako magpapatinag sa mga big man na makakalaban namin in the next games,” Shanoda said. “Tinake ko lang ‘yon as a challenge din at nagbunga lang din ngayong araw.”
MJ Raymundo contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, while Kyle Ochavo and Joseph Nunag added nine points apiece for EAC. The Generals will face Arellano on Monday, November 9, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig to dispute the final quarterfinal bonus in Group B.
For Letran, Manalili played 20 minutes off the bench and finished with eight points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Jimboy Estrada and Aaron Buensalida chipped in 15 points each.
The Knights will wrap up their elimination round schedule against Perpetual on Tuesday, November 10.