NCAA: Tayongtong saves day for Generals against Blazers

MANILA, Philippines — Emilio Aguinaldo College rode on John Tayongtong’s game-winning layup for an 85-83 victory over St. Benilde Thursday in the NCAA season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

Tayongtong sliced through the defense from top-of-the-key, before launching the shot over the outstretched arms of Mark Romero with over a second left to play for the Generals.

“During the time out, I was shaking because it was a crucial play. Coach said we could go for hard drive, thankfully it worked,” said Tayongtong in Filipino.

But with the Blazers left with just enough time to steal the game, EAC’s defense shone as St. Benilde couldn’t even get a shot off.

“Our defense in the last possession also carried us,” said Tayongtong, who also uncorked the game-tying triple for EAC with a minute to go.

The last minute of the match summed up the pace of the entire game, as the two teams wrestled the lead back-and-forth.

The Generals led by seven points late in the third, but the Blazers managed to taste the lead just a few minutes into the final period.

But EAC got the breaks down the stretch and greatly enhanced its chance to score its first ever final four stint by improving to 8-7, just half a game trailing San Sebastian.

Tayongtong had 17 points, five rebounds and two assists for EAC. Noube Happi led with 20 points and 13 rebounds while Igee King poured nine of his 16 in the fourth.

Paolo Taha paced St. Benilde with 20 points, meanwhile, as they dropped to 5-9 in the standings.