EMILIO Aguinaldo College coach Jerson Cabiltes always believed that his team has the makings to be a contender.
“Kahit last season pa when I took over, alam ko na kaya ng mga bata makipagsabayan sa best teams sa NCAA,” he said.
Now in his second year with the Generals, Cabiltes’ expectations are finally coming to reality with the squad currently sporting a 5-1 win-loss record to move at joint second place in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.
Winners of three straight, EAC is looking to continue its winning ways on Wednesday against Arellano (1-2) at 2 p.m.
The Generals have been an unpredictable draw in the NCAA Bracket with players like rookie EJ Castillo and transferee Jae Omandac stepping up to link up with holdovers Wilmar Oftana, Nico Quinal, Kyle Ochavo, and Jude Bagay, as seen in their 77-52 win over Perpetual on Monday.
But Cabiltes understands that consistency will be the key for his side in their quest for respectability, saying, “Kailangan tuloy-tuloy yung mga nagagawa namin.”
Defending NCAA champion Mapua (3-2) will also be in action in the 12 p.m. curtain raiser against Jose Rizal University (1-3), while cellar-dwelling teams Perpetual (1-4) and San Sebastian (0-6) part ways at 4 p.m. in this tilt which has PlayTime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Lamtex Pipes, Smart, and Puso Pilipinas as major sponsors, and Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Nature’s Spring, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger as minor sponsors.
Clint Escamis is ecstatic with how the newcomers like Drex delos Reyes, Cyril Gonzales, Ivan Lazarte, and Joe Gulapa have responded to the call, making the seamless transition to boost the Cardinals.
“Maganda yung nagiging takbo ng team and masaya naman kami kasi ready itong mga bago namin,” said the former NCAA MVP after his side’s 77-70 escape from the Golden Stags.
But they will be facing a familiar face in coach Nani Epondulan, now at the helm for the Heavy Bombers, which will once again lean on Shawn Argente, Justin Lozano, and standout rookie Sanlea Peñaverde.
Patrick Sleat, meanwhile, is pressured to lead the Altas back to their winning ways against Paeng Are and co. who are as hungry to finally chalk one in the premier preseason league.
