EAC adds to Mapua’s ‘NC’ woes

MANILA, Philippines - Cameroonian Noube Happi put up another double-double game as Emilio Aguinaldo College turned back Mapua, 89-80, to gain a share of fifth with San Sebastian at the close of the first round elims in the 89th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The 6-7 Happi powered his way to 17 points and 22 rebounds and had two blocks as he steered the Generals to their fourth win against five losses in a tie with the Stags, just one game behind the fourth-running Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers.

The Generals also dominated the Cardinals off the boards, particularly down the stretch as they scored on second chances while scoring on clutch free throws to pound out the win.

The Cardinals, who played minus Joseph Eriobu due to disciplinary action and Jessie Saitanan who was tossed out due to a flagrant foul, closed out with a 1-8 card.

“He carried us through today (yesterday),” said EAC coach Gerry Esplana in Filipino, referring to Happi.

The Generals actually played catch-up in the early going as the Cardinals set the tone and led by as many as eight points twice.

Earlier, the Red Robins clobbered their EAC rivals, 101-86, to move in joint third in the juniors division with La Salle-Greenhills and Jose Rizal U on 6-3 slates.