EAC puts JRU on brink of elimination

MANILA, Philippines – Emilio Aguinaldo College put Jose Rizal University on the verge of missing the Final Four after a 71-65 win Thursday night in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Generals, already out of semifinals contention, finished this season with an 8-10 record, their best mark since joining the league in 2009.

Happi Noube struggled on his shot but still came away with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Noube went four-of-12 from the field and missed 11 of his 17 free throw attempts.

The Heavy Bombers blew a chance to be in a position to claim a Final Four spot and instead are now in danger of getting eliminated if Perpetual Help wins over San Sebastian.

If the Altas lose, they will play a playoff against the Bombers for the last semis slot.

JRU’s crucial setback also assured Letran a Final Four ticket.

Jon Lopez had a double-double with 11 points and 14 boards for the Bombers.  Cris de la Paz had 18 points, six rebounds and four assists.