The General EAC squad opened their Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup campaign with a thrilling 96–93 victory over the CSB Trailblazers on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in a high-octane clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The match, played at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, showcased the depth and resilience of both teams as they fine-tune their rosters ahead of the upcoming collegiate season.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, General EAC came out with an aggressive offensive mindset, pushing the pace and converting in transition. The first quarter saw the home side build a slight lead, but the Trailblazers responded with a 10–2 run early in the second period to take a 48–45 halftime edge. The back-and-forth nature of the contest continued into the third quarter, as both teams traded baskets and the lead changed hands eight times.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: After trailing by four midway through the third, General EAC went on a 14–3 run capped by a step-back three-pointer from their guard to take a 72–65 lead.
• CSB's late rally: The Trailblazers refused to fold, cutting the deficit to 92–91 with under a minute to play after a steal and fastbreak layup.
• Clutch free throws: General EAC’s big man calmly sank two free throws with 11.4 seconds left to push the lead to 95–91, and after a quick CSB bucket, he added another free throw to seal the 96–93 win.

Standout Performers

For General EAC, their starting backcourt combined for 48 points and 11 assists, providing the offensive firepower needed to overcome a gritty CSB defense. The team also controlled the glass with 42 rebounds, including 14 offensive boards that led to second-chance points. The Trailblazers were led by their veteran point guard who finished with 27 points and 8 assists, but costly turnovers in the final two minutes proved decisive.

Season Impact

This early-season victory gives General EAC a boost of confidence as they prepare for a tough slate in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. The tournament serves as a crucial tune‑up for the NCAA season, and head coach John Santos praised his team’s composure under pressure: “We showed grit when it mattered most. The preseason is about building habits, and winning close games like this one will pay off down the road.” For CSB, the narrow loss highlights areas to address, particularly defensive rebounding and late-game execution, but they will take positives from their offensive rhythm and depth.

The Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup continues to deliver high‑stakes matchups as collegiate programs across the Philippines sharpen their game before the regular season tips off. Both General EAC and the CSB Trailblazers will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures.