EAC downs Benilde, keeps slim hope for playoffs alive

InterAKTV/Justin Gener

Emilio Aguinaldo College kept its playoff hopes alive after clinching its third straight win, defeating College of Saint Benilde, 73-64, in NCAA Season 88 action Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Generals’ win-loss record improved to 7-9, while the Blazers remained at ninth place at 4-12.

EAC took advantage of a shorthanded Benilde squad that saw stars Carlo Lastimosa and Joel Tolentino fail to suit up for the game due to academic problems. Anton Altamirano also missed the game for the Blazers due to an injury.

The Generals, meanwhile, missed the services of Igee King due to a strained hamstring.

The game was tied at 44-all in the third quarter before EAC closed the period with a 7-0 run. The Generals continued to keep the Blazers at bay in the fourth quarter, leading by as much as 12 points, 60-48, led by Jolas Paguia and Franz Chiong, who poured 11 of his 20 points in the final period.

“Total team effort ang ginawa namin. Gagawin ko na best ko sa last three games namin,” said Chiong.

“We still have a slim chance of making it [to the final four] pero now, hindi na nakadepende sa amin ang fate

Jonathan Grey led Benilde with 11 points with Ralph Deles adding 10.

The Scores:

Emilio Aguinaldo College (73) — Chiong 20, Happi 14, Monteclaro 12, Paguia 8, Jamon 7, Morada 5, Tayongtong 4, Yaya 3, Sanchez 0.

St. Benilde (64) — Grey 11, Deles 10, Taha 9. Romero 9, Bartolo 8, Tan 6, Carlos 5, Maconocido 4, Garcia 2, Sinco 0, Dela Paz 0.

Quarters: 19-13, 30-29, 51-44, 73-64.

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