Raffy Dela Peña | FCF

Emilio Aguinaldo College gets yet another close win against Benilde to inch closer to a potential postseason berth, thanks to John Tayongtong’s game winner with seconds to spare.

The Generals claim an 85-83 victory over the Blazers in a pivotal match to keep their hopes to enter the Final Four in Thursday’s NCAA Season 89 seniors basketball doubleheader at The Arena in San Juan City.

With both squads battling nip-and-tuck throughout the entire contest, the former Arellano Chief set up a masterful isolation play in the dying seconds, resulting in a close-range layup over the outstretched arms of Benilde star forward Mark Romero to put the Generals up by two.

In the insuing play, the Generals muffed the Blazers’ attempt at a game winner from beyond the arc to seal the win.

Following the win, EAC head coach Gerry Esplana remarked that was already satisfied with their team’s performance, but his team is still in the thick of the hunt and could still improve their first winning mark since joining the league in 2009.

“Na-match namin ang best finish namin last year with three games left. Hopefully ma-improve namin at maganda ang chances namin sa Final Four,” said Esplana.

Esplana, who took over the Generals midway through their Season 86 campaign from then-head coach Nomar Isla, originally designed the play for big man Cedric Noube Happi, but Tayongtong took the ball strong to the cup and scored the game winner.

“My instruction was for (Cedric Noube) Happi to slip for the high-percentage shot. If not Happi, then clear out si Joco (Tayongtong), then he will drive hard (to the basket),” noted the former veteran guard in the pro ranks.

Happi led the way with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals despite playing through the late stages in foul trouble. Tayongtong added 17 points, while Igee King scored nine of his 16 points in the final canto.

The Blazers’ loss not only endangered their chances of making it into the postseason for the first time since 2002, but also spoiled the breakout performance of guard Travis Jonson, who scored 13 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting from the field.

Guard Paolo Taha led their losing cause with 20 points and six assists.

Raffy Dela Peña | FCF

Meanwhile, Jose Rizal University breaks out of a six-game funk, as they down Mapua in the day’s featured ballgame, 73-56.

Michael Mabulac produced a stellar performance, scoring 19 points with 12 rebounds, while Philip Paniamogan added 18 points.

The Cardinals, who sees their losing run extended to 13, were led by Mark Brana’s 13 points and six rebounds.