Emilio Aguinaldo College squeaked past San Sebastian College–Recoletos, 71-70, in the quarterfinals to book a spot in the NCAA Season 101 juniors basketball tournament on Friday.
The Brigadiers started strong, taking a 20-13 lead in the first quarter before the Staglets surged in the second period and claimed a 39-37 edge at halftime after a Mark Esperanza triple.
The two teams then went neck-and-neck in the second half, eventually finding themselves tied at 67 with 2:02 left in the fourth quarter. Free throws from Kelly Coronel and Xyriel Macahipay gave EAC a 71-67 cushion before Jaf Tepan drilled a triple to trim the deficit with 11 seconds remaining.
Despite Coronel missing his final free throws, EAC managed to hold off San Sebastian to secure the semifinals berth.
Xyriel Macahipay led the Brigadiers with 16 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, and an assist, while Kelly Coronel and Noel Lanceta added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Tepan finished with 16 points, while Esperanza contributed 12 in the losing effort.
EAC will face the winner of the do-or-die quarterfinals between Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Sunday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
