Overtime Victory Gives EAC Share of Second Place in Group B
Jude Bagay scored 26 points as Emilio Aguinaldo College escaped Perpetual, 92-89, in overtime during NCAA Season 102 action. The Generals improved to 5-6 and moved alongside Arellano into a share of second place within the Group B standings.
Jude Bagay Leads EAC Past Perpetual in Overtime
Matthew Li of Tiebreaker Times chronicled EAC’s overtime victory Friday at the San Andres Sports Complex during NCAA Season 102. Bagay produced a game-high 26 points before converting late free throws that protected EAC’s three-point advantage during overtime.
The Generals entered the final two regulation minutes holding an 83-79 advantage before Perpetual mounted another comeback attempt. Mark Gojo Cruz converted two free throws before Jim Corpuz scored on the final possession, forcing overtime at 83-83.
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Generals Survive Another Late Regulation Collapse
Head coach Jerson Cabiltes acknowledged EAC’s recurring difficulty finishing games after Perpetual erased another late advantage during regulation. His frustration centered on the Generals surrendering their four-point cushion before responding successfully during the five-minute overtime period.
“‘Yon lagi problema namin, how to finish games, at nag-show up na naman,” Cabiltes said. “I was so frustrated, buti nag-step up sila sa overtime.”
EJ Castillo Sparks EAC During Overtime Run
EAC responded immediately in overtime, opening the extra period with a 7-3 run after surrendering its late regulation advantage. EJ Castillo scored five points during that stretch, helping the Generals establish a 90-86 advantage with 2:08 remaining.
Castillo finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists while providing significant secondary production behind Bagay’s game-high scoring. His overtime contribution helped EAC regain separation after Perpetual had erased the Generals’ four-point advantage during regulation’s closing minutes.
Bagay Seals Victory From Free-Throw Line
Gojo Cruz completed a three-point play before Bagay converted late free throws, extending EAC’s advantage to 92-89 with 11.4 seconds remaining. Juan Tulabut attempted a desperation three-pointer on Perpetual’s final possession, but his missed attempt allowed EAC to secure the victory.
Five EAC Players Finish With Double-Figure Scoring
Bagay led EAC with 26 points, while four additional Generals reached double figures during the important Group B victory. Castillo contributed 15 points, Kyle Ochavo scored 14, while Wilmar Oftana and Joseph Nunag each finished with 13.
That scoring distribution gave EAC five double-digit contributors during a contest requiring additional production throughout regulation and overtime. Perpetual countered with three 20-point scorers, accounting for most of the Altas’ offense during their three-point overtime defeat.
Perpetual Trio Combines for 62 Points
Gelo Gelsano and Gojo Cruz scored 21 points apiece, while Corpuz added 20 during Perpetual’s competitive overtime performance. Their combined 62 points represented nearly 70% of the Altas’ 89-point total despite finishing without the victory.
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EAC Climbs Into Share of Second in Group B
The victory improved EAC to 5-6, moving the Generals alongside Arellano into a share of second place within Group B. Perpetual fell to 3-8 after pushing EAC into overtime but failing to complete another comeback during the extra period.
The teams were tied at 27 after one quarter before Perpetual entered halftime holding a narrow 49-47 advantage. EAC responded after halftime, building a 74-67 third-quarter lead before Perpetual eventually forced overtime with an 83-83 regulation tie.
Quarter Scores Show Generals’ Uneven Performance
EAC transformed a two-point halftime deficit into a seven-point advantage after outscoring Perpetual during the third quarter. Perpetual erased that margin during the fourth before EAC won the overtime period, 9-6, to complete the 92-89 victory.
Letran and Arellano Await EAC After Overtime Win
EAC next faces Group B leader Letran on November 5 before meeting second-place rival Arellano four days later. The Generals enter those matchups at 5-6 after surviving Perpetual and strengthening their position within the tightly contested Group B standings.
The Arellano matchup carries direct standings significance because both teams held identical 5-6 records following EAC’s overtime victory. Perpetual, meanwhile, will face San Sebastian on November 6 after dropping to 3-8 through its latest narrow defeat.
Perpetual Faces San Sebastian After Falling to 3-8
Perpetual enters its next assignment after receiving 62 combined points from Gelsano, Gojo Cruz, and Corpuz against EAC. The Altas will attempt to improve their 3-8 Group B record when they face San Sebastian on November 6.
Analytical Breakdown: EAC Must Improve Late-Game Execution
EAC’s biggest concern remains protecting late leads when opponents increase defensive pressure and every possession carries greater consequences. Castillo’s overtime response showed valuable composure, helping the Generals immediately recover after their disappointing finish to regulation. Bagay provides dependable scoring, but EAC needs cleaner closing execution to strengthen its position against tougher postseason competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led EAC against Perpetual?
Jude Bagay led Emilio Aguinaldo College with 26 points during its 92-89 overtime victory over Perpetual.
What is EAC’s NCAA Season 102 record?
EAC improved to 5-6 and moved into a share of second place with Arellano within NCAA Group B.
How did EAC beat Perpetual?
EAC opened overtime with a 7-3 run before Bagay converted late free throws to secure the three-point victory.
Who were Perpetual’s leading scorers?
Gelo Gelsano and Mark Gojo Cruz scored 21 points each, while Jim Corpuz finished with 20 points.
Who does EAC play next?
EAC faces Group B leader Letran on November 5 before meeting Arellano in another important matchup on November 9.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from GMA Network.
