Generals silence Bombers, keep slim F4 hopes alive

MANILA, Philippines -- Emilio Aguinaldo survived an early fourth quarter onslaught by Jose Rizal to hack out a 78-68 victory Saturday that kept its Final Four hopes afloat in the 89th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

After seeing its 11-point lead cut down to just two points early in the final period, Josh Paguia came through with clutch baskets in a counter-attack that not only put the Bombers away but also help the Generals seal their ninth win against eight defeats.

"The boys just showed endgame composure and didn't panic when Jose Rizal made their move, I have to commend the boys for that," said EAC coach Gerry Esplana, who is on his best season since taking over the coaching helm three years back.

EAC thus needs to hurdle an already-ran Mapua on Thursday at the same venue and hopes San Sebastian, which is currently at fourth spot, half a game ahead and playing Perpetual Help at press time, loses one or both the latter's last two games including against St. Benilde tomorrow.

The Bombers fell to their 11th defeat against six triumphs.

Paced by Philip Paniamogan and Cris Jordan dela Paza, Jose Rizal mounted a huge rally to turn an 11-point deficit at the end of the third canto to just two points midway in the last quarter, 62-64.

It turned out the Kalentong-based dribblers' last show of force as Paguia took over from there scoring six of the his team's last 10 points that nailed the final dagger.

Paguia wound up the best player of the game as he finished with 11 points he spiked with 10 rebounds and two assists.

Cameroonian Noube Happi led the Generals with 18 points while Jan Jamon, Jack Arquero and John Tayongtong scattered 15, 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Michael Mabulac and Paniamogan led Jose Rizal with 19 and 14 points.

The scores:

First Game

EAC (78) -- Happi 18, Jamon 15, Arquero 12, Paguia 11, Tayongtong 11, Castro 7, Onwubere 2, Morada 2, Saludo 0, Hiole Manga 0, King 0, Munsayac 0.

JRU (68) -- Mabulac 19, Paniamogan 14, Lasquety 9, Dela Paz 7, Abanto 6, Salaveria 5, Grospe 4, Sanchez 4, Benavides 0.
Quarters: 27-16, 44-32, 62-51, 78-68