NCRAA: EAC Generals rout PUP Maroons, 81-79

The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals banked on Ronjay Buenafe's heroics to again pull off another escape in the 14th Petron-National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men's basketball tournament. Buenafe topscored with 36 points and sank in 13 points in the final quarter to key the Generals' 81-79 win over Polytechnic University of the Philippines Maroons in front of a huge partisan crowd at the PUP Gym. Buenafe connected with a triple and a jumper in the last 12 ticks to ensure the victory for the Generals, who posted their fourth win in five assignments. The Generals' victory tied them with Arellano University Chiefs at second spot. The Asian College of Science and Technology (ACSAT) Lightnings slipped to third with their 5-3 win-loss record. Earlier, Jethro Mendoza made 17 points while Edward Barroga unloaded 15 as the Olivarez College Sea Lions turned back the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 77-72. The six-foot Buenafe got a pass from Carlo Castillo and sank a triple with 20 seconds left to tie the match at 79-all. After Maroon Eric Tamayo bungled a jumper, Buenafe got a rebound from Mark Anzures and went for a layup with 12 ticks to go, allowing the Generals to pull off the win and stay in contention for one of twice-to-beat privileges. PUP's bid to force an overtime ran afoul after Tamayo's drive bounced out of the rim in the final four seconds. "It was a heart-stopping game. Magaling ang PUP dahil may malalaki sila," EAC coach Nomar Isla said. In the junior division, Jade Limboy had 14 points and Leonardo Anquillo chipped in 13 as the Arellano Junior Chiefs whipped Olivarez High School, 71-56, to stay unbeaten after five matches. Genebeth Ramos got 43 points while Mary Ann Abad contributed 26 for the PUP Lady Maroons as they won over the EAC Lady Generals, 76-67, in the women's side.

- GMANews.TV