Castillo and Bagay Combine for 46 Points in Generals’ Victory
Emilio Aguinaldo College defeated Arellano, 102-93, completing an impressive elimination-round recovery and securing Group B’s second seed Monday. EJ Castillo and Jude Bagay scored 23 points each as the Generals earned a twice-to-beat NCAA quarterfinal advantage.
EAC Beats Arellano to Secure Twice-to-Beat Edge
Tiebreaker Times reporter Aeron Paul Valderrama documented EAC’s victory, which completed the Generals’ elimination campaign with a 7-6 record. The result secured second place in Group B after EAC recovered from a difficult 1-4 start this season.
EAC won six of its final eight elimination assignments, turning its early struggles into valuable protection entering the quarterfinals. Arellano finished third in Group B at 6-7 after beginning its NCAA Season 102 campaign with four consecutive victories.
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Generals Complete Turnaround From 1-4 Start
EAC’s 1-4 opening left the Generals needing a sustained recovery throughout the remaining portion of their elimination-round schedule. Six victories across their final eight assignments eventually lifted EAC into second place and secured its twice-to-beat quarterfinal advantage.
Castillo and Bagay Score 23 Points Each for EAC
Castillo finished with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal during EAC’s decisive elimination-round victory over Arellano. Bagay matched Castillo with 23 points, while Wilmar Oftana contributed another 18 to complete EAC’s leading scoring trio.
The three Generals combined for 64 of EAC’s 102 points, providing most of the offense during Monday’s important victory. Bagay scored 15 points during the opening quarter before Castillo produced 11 in the second as EAC gained separation.
Castillo Credits Teammates After Crucial Victory
Castillo credited screens and passes from his teammates for creating scoring opportunities while emphasizing EAC’s postseason work remains unfinished. He also highlighted the coaching staff’s guidance as the Generals prepared to shift their attention toward the quarterfinal round.
“Malaking factor ‘yong lahat kami nagtulungan. ‘Di naman papasok mga tira ko kung walang screen at mga pumapasa,” Castillo said. “‘Yong panalo na ‘to, gustong-gusto namin pero ‘di pa tapos trabaho namin. Kailangan pa naming mag-ready. Andiyan naman ‘yong mga coaches namin para gabayan kami.”
EAC Builds Eight-Point Halftime Lead Against Arellano
EAC scored 31 first-quarter points before adding another 33 during the second period to establish a 64-56 halftime advantage. Bagay powered the opening quarter with 15 points, while Castillo’s 11-point second period helped the Generals create separation before halftime.
Both teams scored 18 points during the third quarter, leaving EAC ahead 82-74 entering the final ten minutes. The Generals then protected their advantage throughout the fourth quarter despite Arellano making another push during the closing minutes.
Generals Protect Advantage Throughout Second Half
EAC extended its lead to 93-80 near the fourth quarter’s midpoint after producing a timely 6-1 scoring run. Arellano answered with an 8-2 run before Kyle Ochavo’s three-point play restored EAC’s double-digit advantage at 98-88.
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Valencia Scores 23 as Arellano Falls to 6-7
Basti Valencia led Arellano with 23 points, matching the individual totals produced by Castillo and Bagay for the Generals. King Vinoya added 22 points and nine rebounds, while Renzo Abiera contributed 18 during the Chiefs’ elimination-round finale.
Valencia, Vinoya, and Abiera combined for 63 points, accounting for most of Arellano’s 93-point production against the Generals. The Chiefs dropped to 6-7 after the defeat, completing a significant reversal following their unbeaten 4-0 opening this season.
Vinoya and Abiera Add 40 Combined Points
Vinoya finished one rebound short of a double-double, collecting 22 points and nine boards during Arellano’s nine-point defeat. Abiera supplied another 18 points as the Chiefs’ three leading scorers combined for 63 against EAC’s defense Monday.
EAC Takes Group B Second Seed Into Quarterfinals
EAC’s 7-6 record secured Group B’s second seed and provided the Generals with a twice-to-beat advantage during the quarterfinals. Under that format, EAC needs one quarterfinal victory to advance, while its lower-seeded opponent must defeat the Generals twice.
At the conclusion of Monday’s game, EAC awaited the loser of the San Beda-Benilde matchup to determine its quarterfinal opponent. Castillo emphasized that EAC’s work remained unfinished despite completing its elimination-round recovery and earning valuable postseason protection.
Generals Await San Beda-Benilde Loser
EAC entered the quarterfinal picture holding the twice-to-beat advantage after recovering from its difficult 1-4 start this season. The Generals awaited the San Beda-Benilde result before learning which Group A opponent would challenge their postseason advantage next.
Analytical Breakdown: EAC’s Offensive Balance Supports Quarterfinal Ambitions
EAC’s balanced scoring creates postseason flexibility because opponents cannot comfortably concentrate defensive coverage toward Castillo during important possessions. Bagay and Oftana provide additional threats, forcing defenses to adjust while allowing EAC to maintain aggressive offensive execution. The twice-to-beat advantage becomes especially valuable if EAC pairs its improved scoring balance with disciplined half-court defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the EAC-Arellano final score?
Emilio Aguinaldo College defeated Arellano University, 102-93, during its NCAA Season 102 elimination-round finale at the Philsports Arena.
What was EAC’s final elimination-round record?
The Generals finished NCAA Season 102 elimination play at 7-6 after recovering from their difficult 1-4 opening record.
Who led EAC against Arellano?
EJ Castillo and Jude Bagay scored 23 points each, while Wilmar Oftana added another 18 points for the Generals.
Does EAC have a twice-to-beat advantage?
Yes, EAC secured Group B’s second seed and earned a twice-to-beat advantage entering the NCAA Season 102 quarterfinals.
Who was EAC waiting to face in the quarterfinals?
EAC awaited the loser of the San Beda-Benilde matchup when the Generals completed their elimination schedule against Arellano.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from One Sports.
