MANILA, Philippines – Emilio Aguinaldo College came back from 17 down to shock Perpetual Help, 73-71, Saturday in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Franz Chiong pierced a dagger of a trey that made it a two-game possession, 73-68, with 8.5 ticks left.
Meanwhile, San Beda turned things around in the second half to fashion out a 67-45 drubbing of Jose Rizal University.
Jake Pascual shone with 12 points, eight rebounds and five steals for the Red Lions, who continue to lead the league with an 11-2 record.
The Altas, who fell to 8-5, led, 54-37, in the third period but the Generals fired back with their own to end the pivotal period and carried their momentum through the fourth quarter.
Earl Thompson made a triple that cut the deficit to two, 71-73, followed by two crucial misses by Happi at the line.
The Altas had one last crack to salvage a win but Jett Vidal, who has nailed a slew of clutch shots this season, this time, missed a potential buzzer-beating three.
The Heavy Bombers slid to 8-5.