FilOil: Quinal shines as EAC escapes Arellano for share of lead in NCAA bracket

EAC’s Nico Quinal. Photo from FilOil Preseason Cup Media Team.MANILA — Emilio Aguinaldo College rode a four-game winning streak to earn a share of lead in the NCAA bracket in the 18th FilOil Preseason Cup.

This, after the Generals escaped pesky Arellano University in a 66-64 thriller on Wednesday in San Juan City.

Nico Quinal provided 15 points and three boards alongside Jude Bagay and Ruzzelle Domiguez who tallied 11 and 10, respectively, in their rise to 6-1 alongside Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

“I want them to stay hungry. I want to show them that they could compete against top guns in NCAA,” head coach Jerson Cabiltes.

T-Mc Ongotan fired five points in the fourth quarter to front the Chiefs' furious fightback to snatch away the lead, 62-61, with a minute left.

But Brianne Angeles had the answer for the Generals with his layup proving to be the go-ahead basket. Two defensive stops and a Quinal split from the stripe later and they extended their league-best win run.

Ongotan and Charles Libang drilled 13 points apiece for now 1-3 Arellano.

Earlier, Mapua University picked up a second straight victory at the expense of Jose Rizal University, 76-68.

Cyril Gonzales showed the way for the 4-2 Cardinals with 21 points and four rebounds, while skipper Clint Escamis chimed in 13 points and seven assists.

University of Perpetual Help then snapped its three-game losing skid after a 75-61 victory vs. San Sebastian College.

Skipper Patrick Sleat racked up 13 points and seven assists for the Altas who now stand at 2-4, while the still-winless Golden Stags were led by captain Rafael Are who had 11 markers and seven boards.

For the 1-4 Heavy Bombers, Sanlea Peñaverde led the charge with 20 points.

The Scores:

First Game:

MAPUA 76 — Gonzales 21, Escamis 13, Cuenco 9, Nitura 8, Callangan 6, Igliane 6, Gulapa 5, Abdulla 3, Recto 2, Delos Reyes 2, Concepcion 1, Sapasap 0, Lazarte 0.

JRU 68 — Peñaverde 20, Garupil 15, Argente 11, Lozano 7, Herrera 6, Panapanaan 5, Benitez 2, Pangilinan 2, Castillo 0, Esguerra 0.

Quarters: 17-20, 40-38, 57-56, 76-68.

Second Game:

EAC 66 — Quinal 15, Bagay 11, Dominguez 10, Omandac 9, Angeles 7, Castillo 6, Loristo 2, Shanoda 2, Doria 2, Cudiamat 0, Tolentino 0, Yanes 0, Jacob 0, Cosa 0, Ochavo 0.

ARELLANO 64 — Vinoya 14, Ongotan 13, Libang 13, Cabotaje 5, De Leon 3, Buenaventura 3, Demetria 2, Borromeo 2, Flores 2, Hernal 1, Camay 0, Geronimo 0, Miller 0, Abiera 0, Espiritu 0.

Quarters: 14-18, 29-29, 52-41, 66-64.

Third Game:

PERPETUAL 75 — Sleat 13, Gojo Cruz 12, Abis 9, Boral 9, Orgo 9, Nunez 6, Cristino 5, Tulabut 4, Roluna 4, Gelsano 2, Duremdes 2, Maglupay 0, Alcantara 0, Casinillo 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 61 — Gabat 11, Pillado 10, Cuajao 8, Are 8, Nepacena 8, Felebrico 6, Castor 5, Ricio 5, Gomez de Liaño 0, Lumanag 0.

Quarters: 17-12, 37-33, 63-43, 75-61.