EAC Embraces Underdog Tag, Stuns Benilde in 19-Point Comeback Win

EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes is not shying away from the underdog label. Instead, he wants his players to embrace the challenge and fight hard regardless of who they face.

That mindset was on full display against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, as the Generals erased a 19-point deficit to pull off an 86-78 comeback win and snap the Blazers’ four-game winning streak in NCAA Season 102.

“Okay lang sa amin na tawagin kaming underdog. A little bit totoo namang underdog kami. So, I just want us to fight hard each and every game. ’Yun lang naman lagi kong sinasabi sa mga players,” Cabiltes said.

For EAC, being the underdog means having to prove itself every game. Against a Benilde team that entered the matchup riding a four-game winning streak, the Generals had to show they could keep fighting even when things were not going their way.

Benilde looked firmly in control in the first half, scoring 56 points and knocking down 11 three-pointers to build a commanding lead. Cabiltes admitted he was upset with how his team defended before halftime, prompting the coaching staff to make adjustments.

“Nung halftime, I was very upset. I don’t know if we’re not playing defense or they’re just hitting their shots or they’re just lucky. So, we had a talk, we adjusted on defense. Good thing ’yung adjustment namin on defense worked sa second half naman,” Cabiltes said.

The Generals responded after the break, gradually cutting into the deficit before completing the comeback. Joseph Nunag helped lead the charge with 17 points, five rebounds, and three steals.

The victory also carried added importance for EAC, which entered the game looking to improve its standing after a difficult start to the season.

“Gusto ko rin talaga manalo eh, kasi parang 2-5 nga ’yung standing namin, kailangan namin manalo,” Nunag said.

For the Generals, the win was more than just a comeback against one of the league’s top teams. It was an opportunity to show that they could respond to adversity and compete even when the odds were against them.

Cabiltes knows EAC still has plenty of work ahead, but his message to the team remains the same: keep fighting, regardless of the opponent.

The Generals may embrace the underdog role, but they are determined to keep proving they can be more than that.