Generals, Chiefs craving for more

MANILA, Philippines — Emilio Aguinaldo College coach Jerson Cabiltes doesn’t care about any streak but one – their 14-year Final Four wait.

“I’m not here to break any record or winning or losing streaks,” said Cabiltes moments after surging into the top four following a shock 83-76 overtime win over the pace-setting Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates Wednesday.

“I’m only looking at one streak, that’s (ending a drought to) make it to the Final Four,” he pointed out.

With their upset of the Pirates, the Generals have caught up with the San Beda Lions at No. 4 with their identical 3-2 records.

And they look ready to contend for a breakthrough Final Four appearance since entering the league in 2009.

The Generals are determined to push their drive as they tangle with the Arellano Chiefs in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena today.

Like the Generals, the Chiefs are coming off a big win with an 87-80 slaying of the Knights Sunday.

It was AU’s first win in five starts, and coach Chico Manabat craves for more.

“We hope this is the start of something bigger for us,” said the 45-year-old Manabat, who played college ball for National U then under coach and now his consultant Manny Dandan.

EAC’s progression wasn’t on mere luck as its other win came at the expense of three-peat champion Letran, 75-65, last Oct.1.

And it’s all coming a full season after its forgettable effort that saw the Generals end up 10th and dead last with just three wins in their 18 elimination round games.