De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde survived Emilio Aguinaldo College’s onslaught in the second half to pull off an 83-76 result in Friday’s seniors basketball action at The Arena in San Juan City.

Despite playing without Cameroonian center Cedric Noube Happi, who is suffering from lingering back pains, the Generals made a 15-2 spurt in the last 1:42 of the third period to turn a 21 point deficit to a more manageable eight point deficit at the end of the quarter, 55-63.

But the Blazers were lucky that EAC could not convert on their opportunities, with the Generals coming in as close as four points, 73-69, midway through the final canto and failing capitalizing on the offensive end.

PBA draft prospect Paolo Taha scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Jonathan Grey added 14 points on five-for-eight shooting.

The Blazers – improving to 6-4 – win their sixth game in seven matches, while sending the Generals (3-7) to their second loss in their last three outings.

“It’s a win, but honestly we’re not too happy with the win especially our fourth quarter. We’re up by 20 points, only to lose the lead, eventually, halos mahabol kami. We’re not smart enough, we kept on fouling, then the technical fouls were hurting us,” said Benilde Head Coach Gabby Velasco.

But for third year forward Jonathan Grey, the win was more sweet as the team was swept in last season’s two-headed series and faltered in their first round meeting, 81-72.

“Sa EAC, medyo gigil ako kasi alam ko na last year hindi kami nanalo, tapos nung first round hindi rin kami nanalo. So, gustong-gusto kong manalo sa game na ito,” said Grey.

Sophomore forward Sidney Onwubere filled the void left by Happi, scoring a career-high 19 points with 15 rebounds. while guards Ariel Aguilar and Joko Tayongtong added 17 and 15 markers, respectively.