EAC's King Gurtiza at the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–King Gurtiza wants to make a big difference in his final year with the Emilio Aguinaldo School Generals.
Always out of the semifinal picture in his first four seasons, Gurtiza has been spearheading the Generals' campaign for a historic Last 4 in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament.
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“My goal is for my team to get into the Last 4 and create a legacy for our school,” Gurtiza said after a career-high 27-point game during EAC's 101-94 win over the San Sebastian Stags on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Area in San Sebastián. Juan.
READ: NCAA: King Gurtiza exudes leadership in the escape from the EAC
As long as they continue to rack up wins in the second round, the Generals will most likely achieve that monumental feat.
With a 6-6 record, they moved cautiously into a three-way tie for fourth place with the Letran Knights and Lyceum Pirates, a best record yet since Gurtiza donned the red and white EAC jersey.
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Wilmar Oftana backed Gurtiza with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Harvey Pagsanjan was also efficient with 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
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“I wasn't as aggressive in my last game because I didn't take as many shots as I used to. I made sure to get more involved this time,” said Gurtiza, who also lit up the stat sheet with five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal.
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READ: NCAA: In the midst of the health problem, Axel Doromal plays with all his heart for EAC
Tristan Felebrico matched the conference-high 30 points that Arellano's JL Capulong recorded in the Chiefs' 91-86 win over the Pirates earlier in the afternoon, but he failed to carry the Stags alone.
Reggz Gabat hit four 3-pointers, including two in his wild chase to put the Generals down in the final minutes, and finished with 21, while San Sebastian's scoring guard Rafael Are added 14 points, nine rebounds and three steals.
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“Every game matters. But I always tell my players on the bench that every possession is important too. In the end it could mean victory or defeat,” said EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes.
The scores:
EAC 101 – Gurtiza 27, Oftana 17, Pagsanjan 16, Quinal 11, Lucero 9, Luciano 5, Ochavo 3, Jacob 3, Bacud 3, Loristo 3, Doromal 2, Bagay 2, Angeles 0, Manacho 0
SAN SEBASTIÁN 94 – Felebrico 30, R. Gabat 21, Are 14, Escobido 9, L. Gabat 9, Ricio 6, Pascual 3, Velasco 2, Aguilar 0, Suico 0, Maliwat 0, Barroga 0, Cruz 0, Ramilo 0, Lintol 0
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Quarter scores: 28-29, 55-51, 85-69, 101-94