Bombers, Generals pull off big wins

MANILA, Philippines —  Jose Rizal U and Emilio Aguinaldo College summoned their heroic spirits as it pulled off victories against separate foes yesterday to remain in NCAA Season 99 Final Four contention at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Bombers rode on Agem Miranda’s 17-point effort in a 79-74 victory over the downtrodden Letran Knights while the Generals relied on King Gurtiza’s 23-point masterpiece in a 77-64 rout of the Arellano U Chiefs in a pair of victories that kept them in the semis race.

It was JRU’s ninth triumph against six defeats while completing a season sweep of the once mighty three-peat champion in Letran.

EAC, for its part, improved to 8-7.

The Knights sputtered to 1-14 while the Chiefs fell to 2-12.

The Kalentong-based dribblers did it minus their coach, Louie Gonzales, who served a one-game suspension after being tossed out of their game versus College of St. Benilde last time.

They’re closing in on No. 4 San Beda (8-5) and No. 3 CSB (9-5).

Lyceum and Mapua currently lead the way with 11-3 cards.

It was especially memorable for Gurtiza, whose king-sized effort propelled his team getting a shot at a historic Final Four appearance in the school’s more than a decade of participation in the league.

Apart from his scoring, Gurtiza dazzled in other things as he finished with six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block that filled the void of EAC starters JP Maguliano, Nat Cosejo and Ralph Robin slacking off on this one.

The troika combined for just a measly 22 points after norming 42 points combined entering the showdown.

The Generals were thankful Gurtiza stepped up big.