Generals nip Chiefs, move up to third

MANILA, Philippines — The marching order for the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals was to fight for that historic NCAA Final Four appearance.

Using this as driving force, EAC outduelled a feisty Arellano University side, 79-76, yesterday to zoom to joint third with Jose Rizal U in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

King Gurtiza hit a pair of thunderous triples late to erase a three-point deficit and help the Generals snare their fourth win in six outings and bolster their dream of making the playoff round for the first time in their 14-year history with the grand old league.

Lyceum of the Philippines U continued to lead the way with a 6-1 mark while Mapua stayed at No. 2 with a 5-1 card.

The Chiefs dropped to 1-5.

Earlier, University of Perpetual Help put on the defensive cuffs on San Sebastian College in a 64-50 victory to resuscitate its dying Final Four aspirations.

Altas captain Jelo Razon was the man of the hour as he dropped an all-around effort of 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.

UPHSD got it done on defense as it held SSC to its season-low total.

While both teams struggled offensively, the Altas did better, making 21 of their 65 shots whereas the Stags misfired on 51 of the 68 they attempted, including 20 of 24 misses from the three-point area.