NCAA: EAC banks on stifling run in clutch to nip St. Benilde for first win

EAC Generals Head Coach Gerry Esplana. Noy Morcoso lll/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Phlippines — After squandering its early edge, Emilio Aguinaldo made sure not to waste another shot at victory down the stretch.

The Generals went on a game-clinching 15-2 run in the last five minutes to frustrate St. Benilde, 73-72, Thursday in the NCAA season 89 seniors’ basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

From a 23-8 lead in the first quarter, EAC found itself playing catch up to St. Benilde from then on after a horrible four-point second period.

They led again — for the last time — after splits from the stripe from Cameroonian Noube Happi with 10.8 ticks left, and then from John Tayongtong with 5.5 seconds left to play.

“One thing na pinakita ng mga bata, resilliency. They did not give up,” said the Generals’ head coach Gerry Esplana, whose squad notched their first victory.

Tayongong, along with Igee King, led the Generals with 16 points apiece as they alternated to slash down the Blazers’ 70-58 edge.

Happi, who according to Esplana is playing through a sprained MCL on his right knee, added 14 points and 17 boards.

Paolo Taha, Mark Romero and Luis Sinco scored 17, 16, and 14, respectively for the Blazers, who blew a chance to barge into the win column.

St. Benilde’s last basket was a turnaround jumper from Taha with 4:14 to play, 72-66.