Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Harvey Pagsanjan. Photo from NCAA Philippines.

MANILA — Emilio Aguinaldo College kept its place among those squads which are in a good spot to book a ticket in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball Final Four.

This was after the Generals did their assignment against Arellano University, 69-59, during their Saturday afternoon faceoff at the San Juan Arena.

Harvey Pagsan led all scorers, putting up 17 points with eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and this helped EAC improve to 8-8, currently tied with Lyceum of the Philippines University for the fourth and fifth places in the team standings.

Also admirable were King Gurtiza and Gelo Loristo who had 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, and 10 markers and 11 boards, respectively.

Helping the Generals fend off the pesky Chiefs side was their fourth quarter performance wherein they limited Arellano to only posting nine points with a 4-of-24 shooting from the field.

EAC's 64-56 rebounding advantage was also vital in their victory, but it was the Generals' defense that led to Arellano only shooting 22-of-87 (25.3%) from the field that was the most important factor for the Jerson Cabiltes-led squad.

On the other hand, T-Mc Ongotan and Basti Valencia led their team with 14 and 12, respectively, while Anthony Borromeo was next with 11. 

The Chiefs are now at 6-10, and they still have a slim chance of entering the playoffs despite their current record.

THE SCORES:

EAC 69 – Pagsanjan 17, Gurtiza 13, Loristo 10, Jacob 9, Oftana 5, Ochavo 4, Lucero 4, Quinal 3, Bagay 2, Luciano 2, Umpad 0, Doromal 0, Bacud 0.

Arellano 59 – Ongotan 14, Valencia 13, Borromeo 11, Hernal 6, Geronimo 5, Capulong 5, Vinoya 5, Camay 0, Abiera 0, Acop 0, Libang 0, Miller 0.

Quarterscores: 21-18, 34-33, 52-50, 69-59.