MANILA, Philippines – Emilio Aguinaldo College survived a furious fightback by Arellano, 75-72, Monday in the 88th Season of the NCAA at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
The Generals trailed, 66-68, after blowing a 12-point lead it built, six minutes in the fourth quarter.
“Arellano refused to give up. Luckily, my players held on defensively in crunchtime,” said EAC coach Gerry Esplana.
Russell Yaya made all of his free throw attempts down the stretch before Happi Noube sank two more to seal the win.
Yaya had 17 points while Noube tallied 14 points and 16 rebounds.
Rocky Acidre fired two consecutive triples to tie the game at 66. Vergel Zulueta drained two free throws to give the Chiefs a 68-66 cushion with 2:53 left.
Arellano, fresh off a tough loss to an undermanned San Beda squad Sunday, had several chances to complete its comeback but blew it with costly errors.
Acidre had 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists.