MANILA, Philippines—Emilio Aguinaldo College has yet to reach the NCAA Final Four since joining the league in 2009.
Playing in his final year, King Gurtiza hopes to end the Generals’ 15-year drought. Gurtiza and the Generals took one step closer to achieving that goal on Saturday.
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“I just want to leave a (lasting) legacy in the NCAA and EAC by entering the Final Four in my last season,” said Gurtiza in Filipino after leading EAC to a 101-94 win over San Sebastian in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
READ: NCAA: King Gurtiza eager to end EAC’s Final Four drought
“All that’s running in my mind is for us to help each other as a team while trusting our coaches’ system. We have to work together to reach our goal this season.”
Gurtiza finished with a career-high 27 points on top of five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal.
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With the win, the Generals forced a three-way tie in fourth place with Letran and Lyceum at 6-6 with only six games left in the elimination round.
READ: NCAA: King Gurtiza exudes leadership in EAC escape
“I’m confident enough because everything that I do in the games, I practice them all every day.”
“My teammates and coaches also give me the trust, which I’m grateful for, so I just let it fly when I have the ball. I’m just doing my role.”
EAC looks to bolster its positioning in the Final Four race on Wednesday against Jose Rizal University.