Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) – Ralph Robin nailed the clutch baskets under the last two minutes to lead the comeback win of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals against the San Sebastian Stags, 63-60, in NCAA Season 97 on Friday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
The Stags last held the lead at 56-53 but Robin – who produced a career game of 27 points – hit two consecutive triples in the Generals’ next possessions to steal the advantage from their fancied opponents.
Robin also completed his two free-throws in the final minute to finish the game in favor of EAC as they were successful in their defensive stops against San Sebastian to prevent them from scoring.
Robin scored 15 of his 27 total points in the payoff period as the Generals resurrected from a 12-point deficit in the third quarter.
“Coach told me not to hesitate to shoot. Keep on taking those shots and it will go in. I followed him and it definitely boosted my confidence. Good thing I shot all the threes,” said Robin.
JP Maguliano added 14 points and seven rebounds while Nat Cosejo contributed 10 points, 14 boards, two assists and two blocks for the Oliver Bunyi-mentored EAC squad.
Ken Villapando was the lone bright spot for the Egay Macaraya-coached San Sebastian side with 16 points and five rebounds.
The Generals now occupy the fifth spot in the team standing with a 3-3 slate as they notched their second straight win, while the Stags fell to eighth place with a 2-4 slate.
EAC needs to brace for their next game against unbeaten defending champions Letran on April 20 at 3 p.m., while San Sebastian will shoot for a win against Jose Rizal University on April 19 at 3 p.m.
The Scores:
EAC 63 – Robin 27, Maguliano 14, Cosejo 10, Liwag 8, Cadua 2, An. Doria 2, Taywan 0, Ad. Doria 0, Luciano 0, Bunyi 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 60 – Villapando 16, Altamirano 9, Calma 7, Felebrico 6, Cosari 5, Are 5, Sumoda 4, Calahat 4, Desoyo 0, Abarquez 2, Dela Cruz 0, Loristo 0, Una 0, Shanoda 0.
Quarterscores: 11-22, 29-30, 41-49, 63-60
