MANILA, Philippines – Cameroonian import Noube Happi posted a double-double to lead Emilio Aguinaldo College over pesky Lyceum, 83-76, in the NCAA Season 89 men’s basketball tournament Monday night at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Happi bullied his way to 25 points and 20 rebounds as the Generals improved to 2-5.
John Monteclaro also came up big down the stretch as he knocked down a clutch triple that EAC’s edge to five, 81-76, with only 24 seconds left.
“Kailangan niya mag-step up kasi na-injure sila Arquero,” said EAC coach Gerry Esplana.
The Pirates, who played minus Andrei Mendoza and Dexter Zamora due to suspension, put up a gallant stand behind the play of backup guard Tirso Lesmoras.
“We have to give it to LPU. Talagang ganyan maglaro yan. May never-say-die attitude yan,” Esplana added.
The diminutive Lesmoras unleashed 28 points on nine-of-12 shooting from the field and grabbed seven rebounds in a losing effort as Lyceum fell to 2-5.