EAC Overpowers Lyceum, 84–75, in NCAA Season 101
The EAC Generals regained their winning form after overpowering the Lyceum Pirates, 84–75, in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The Generals, who were coming off recent tough outings, leaned on their bench depth as Aldeo Lucero and Brianne Angeles delivered clutch performances in the fourth quarter to help EAC pull away and secure the win.
Nico Quinal led the charge for the Generals with a career-high 18 points, two steals, and a rebound, while Oman Omandac added 17 points, two rebounds, and one assist. Despite being held scoreless, Kyle Ochavo still made a big impact with 10 assists and eight rebounds, orchestrating the offense with poise.
Lucero came off the bench and poured in 14 points, eight of them in the final frame, along with four rebounds, three steals, and two assists, fueling a decisive 17–2 run that turned a narrow 62–61 edge into a commanding 79–63 lead with under five minutes remaining. Angeles also chipped in six key points during that surge, giving EAC much-needed separation.
For the Pirates, Renz Villegas finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block, while Joshua Moralejo, Ato Barba, and Jonathan Daileg each contributed 16 in a balanced but insufficient effort. Lyceum fell to 1–6, continuing its struggles this season.
EAC improved to 4–4, tightening the mid-table race in Group B as they continue to chase a postseason berth.
The Generals will next face the Mapúa Cardinals on Tuesday, October 28, while the Pirates aim to regroup when they meet the Benilde Blazers on the same day.
The Scores:
EAC 84 – Quinal 18, Omandac 17, Lucero 14, Bagay 10, Oftana 7, Angeles 6, Shanoda 4, Loristo 4, Tolentino 2, Postanes 2, Ochavo 0, Jacob 0, Castillo, Doria 0, Bacud 0.
Lyceum 75 – Villegas 18, Barba 16, Daileg 16, Moralejo 16, Casiño 4, Peñafiel 2, Matienzo 2, Montaño 1, Aviles 0, Aurigue 0, Pallingayan 0, Paulo 0.
Quarter Scores: 26-22, 44-46, 62-61, 84-75.
