Generals End Blazers’ Four-Game Winning Streak in NCAA Thriller

EAC erased a 19-point second-half deficit to stun Benilde, 86-78, in a dramatic NCAA Season 102 comeback victory. The Generals snapped their two-game losing streak while ending the Blazers’ four-game run at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

EAC Falls Behind by 19 Against Benilde

Joaquin Cortez of Tiebreaker Times covered EAC’s comeback Thursday after the Generals entered with consecutive losses against Mapúa and JRU. EAC carried a 2-5 record into the matchup, increasing the importance of another difficult assignment against surging Benilde.

SJ Moore’s three-pointer gave Benilde its largest advantage at 54-35 during a dominant opening half against the Generals. The Blazers eventually carried a 56-40 advantage into halftime after scoring exactly 29 points during both opening quarters.

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Nunag Points to Collective Effort and Adjustments

Joseph Nunag emphasized EAC’s collective approach after the Generals entered the contest needing a victory following consecutive defeats. He also credited the team’s execution of halftime adjustments for helping EAC reverse the game’s direction during the third quarter.

“Down kami sa standings, 2-5 kami [entering the game] kaya kailangan talaga naming manalo. ‘Di naman porket best player ako para manalo lang. Kumbaga, collective effort kaming lahat,” said Nunag.

“‘Yung sistema ni coach, sinunod lang namin ‘yung adjustment sa third quarter at nakapag-adjust kami.”

EAC Erases Deficit With Massive Second-Half Rally

EAC steadily reduced Benilde’s 16-point halftime advantage before Jacob Shanoda’s reverse layup trimmed the deficit to 61-58. EJ Castillo later converted a transition layup as the Generals remained within three points at 71-68 entering the fourth.

The Generals outscored Benilde, 46-22, after halftime to completely overturn the Blazers’ commanding first-half advantage and secure the victory. EAC produced 28 third-quarter points before limiting Benilde to seven during the final period of the eight-point comeback.

Generals Outscore Benilde 46-22 After Halftime

Benilde scored 56 points before halftime, but EAC allowed only 22 across the remaining two quarters of Thursday’s contest. The resulting 46-22 second-half scoring margin represented a 24-point swing after the Generals entered halftime trailing by 16 points.

Oftana Three Gives EAC Its First Lead

EAC scored five consecutive points during the fourth quarter before Wilmar Oftana connected from three-point range against the Blazers. Oftana’s basket moved the Generals ahead, 75-73, giving EAC its first advantage since the game’s early stages.

Nunag and Oftana continued producing inside as EAC extended its advantage to 81-75 during the closing minutes against Benilde. John Morales answered from three-point range before Nunag’s turnaround jumper restored EAC’s advantage to 83-78 with 1:53 remaining.

Nunag and Raymundo Complete the Comeback

Nunag’s late jumper restored EAC’s five-point advantage after Morales briefly pulled Benilde within three during the fourth quarter. MJ Raymundo followed with an and-one, extending the Generals’ lead to 86-78 and completing their comeback from 19 points behind.

Recommended Article: Chad Gammad Leads Letran Past JRU in NCAA Season 102

Nunag Leads Four EAC Double-Digit Scorers

Nunag came off the bench and led EAC with 17 points and five rebounds during the Generals’ comeback victory. Oftana contributed 15 points and three rebounds, while Shanoda added 13 points as EAC spread its scoring across multiple contributors.

Castillo finished with 12 points, becoming the fourth EAC player to reach double figures against the previously surging Blazers. Head coach Jerson Cabiltes emphasized contributions throughout his roster after Nunag delivered production on both ends during the victory.

“Siyempre, important sa amin na tulungan ang bawat isa, especially nag-step up si Nunag offensively and defensively [pero] kailangan lahat eh kasi we are not that strong katulad ng mga nasa top teams na overloaded with talent,” said Cabiltes.

Cabiltes Credits Collective Contributions

Cabiltes stressed that every available player carries responsibility regardless of how much playing time becomes available during a particular contest. His comments followed a victory featuring four double-digit scorers and Nunag’s team-high production while coming from the EAC bench.

“Ang ruling kasi namin, kahit na six seconds or five seconds ka lang ginamit, just do your own and support your teammates.”

EAC Ends Benilde’s Four-Game Winning Streak

EAC improved to 3-5 after ending its two-game skid, while Benilde dropped to 6-2 following four consecutive victories. The Blazers also missed an opportunity to claim sole possession of Group A’s lead after surrendering their 19-point advantage.

Tony Ynot Sanchez and John Morales scored 16 points apiece, leading Benilde during its first defeat in five games. Jhomel Ancheta added 14 points and 10 assists, but the Blazers managed only seven points during the fourth quarter.

Generals and Blazers Return October 19 and 20

EAC returns against San Beda on October 19 as the Generals continue their NCAA Season 102 campaign at FilOil EcoOil Centre. Benilde follows against Letran on October 20 after its four-game winning streak ended with Thursday’s eight-point defeat to EAC.

Analytical Breakdown: Nunag Gave EAC a Needed Lift

EAC’s halftime adjustments changed the game’s rhythm, turning improved defensive pressure into cleaner offensive opportunities throughout the second half. Nunag’s bench production strengthened EAC’s balanced attack, preventing Benilde from concentrating its defensive attention on one primary scoring option. Holding Benilde to seven fourth-quarter points showed the defensive intensity EAC must sustain without requiring another major comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the EAC versus Benilde NCAA game?

EAC defeated Benilde, 86-78, after recovering from a 19-point deficit during their NCAA Season 102 matchup.

How many points did Joseph Nunag score?

Nunag scored a team-high 17 points and grabbed five rebounds while providing important production from EAC’s bench.

How large was Benilde’s biggest lead?

Benilde led by 19 points, 54-35, after SJ Moore connected on a three-pointer during the first half.

What are EAC and Benilde’s records?

EAC improved to 3-5, while Benilde dropped to 6-2 after seeing its four-game winning streak end.

Who will EAC and Benilde play next?

EAC faces San Beda on October 19, while Benilde meets Letran on October 20 at FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Daily Tribune.