NCAA S87: AU vs EAC

History Lesson:
Jolas Paguia made a big splash in his NCAA debut, keying in a huge 19-2 fourth quarter run that upended the Arellano Chiefs in the final period, part of a 34-18 final period that pulled the EAC Generals back from the brink to start off their season with a win, 84-77. Paguia, a former FEU-FERN Baby Tam, scored 22 points and was 9 of 14 from the field with nine rebounds, as his ability to stretch the floor, combined with his size, gave the Arellano zone fits. Rocky Acidre led the Chiefs with 21 markers, but they simply could not sustain the lead. (Recap here) 

What's at Stake:

• Both these teams are tied at 3-7, albeit headed in different directions. The Generals started out hot with wins against the Chiefs and Lyceum, but they've floundered after that with the offense becoming increasingly stagnant. On the other hand, the Chiefs were able to come back from a sluggish start to the season, notching victories against St. Benilde and Perpetual Help in the latter part of the first round. A win here ties the victor with idle CSB at 4-7, while the loser falls to 3-8, making any prospective battle for the fourth seed a dim affair.

AU Stat to Watch : A renewed focus on defense has given the Chiefs a 2-1 record in their last three games. After allowing opponents to make nearly 50 percent of their field goals in their first seven games, the Chiefs have held their foes to an average of 37.97 percent shooting. After giving up 51 percent when they first played EAC, that's the sort of thing that might result in a win.
AU Player to Watch : Against a team that puts no defensive pressure on the point guard, Rocky Acidre posted his best game of the season, 21 points on on 7 of 11 shooting, three rebounds, two assists, and most importantly, zero turnovers. He hasn't been as efficient shooting the ball or taking care of it, so maybe another match with EAC will revitalize the embattled point guard.

EAC Stat to Watch : In this game versus Arellano, the Generals tallied 22 assists, but since then, they haven't even broke 15, as they've succumbed to plenty of isolation and one on one plays. The EAC coaching staff ought to do themselves a favor and replay the game film of this encounter to see how they were able to share the ball so effectively and where the heck it went.
EAC Player to Watch : Speaking of guards who had great first games and then disappeared into the aether, Milan Vargas showed no problems coming back from a knee injury over the summer, kick-starting the season with 18 points on 67 percent shooting and five assists, number he hasn't come close to replicating since. Here's hoping he regains his groove against the Chiefs again.


Prediction: Arellano Chiefs