BATANGAS-Emilio Aguinaldo College stunned erstwhile leader Centro Escolar University, 89-87, on Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Pasig Sports Center.
The Generals trailed by as many as 24 points but closed the game with a 16-5 to pull off a mighty upset over the Scorpions.
Batangas-EAC scored only its second win in 10 games, and sent CEU sliding to third spot at 8-3.
The Scorpions are in danger of missing the automatic semifinal berth, with Akari-Adamson and Marinerong Pilipino, tied for first place at 8-2, to earn the incentives if they win their last game against separate opponents.
Batangas-EAC skipper Cedrick De Joya had 10 of his 18 points in the fourth period. He nailed a triple with 42.3 seconds left in the game to give Batangas-EAC an 87-85 lead.
CEU missed Rodrigue Ebondo due to a back injury, while Orlan Wamar was ejected from the game in the first quarter for throwing a ball at a referee.
“At least, ’yung preparation namin sa Holy Week, hindi nasayang,” said Batangas-EAC coach Ariel Sison. “We prepared hard for them. Luckily, Ebondo didn’t play. Talagang para sa amin. We are preparing for Ebondo.”
Philip Tampoc had 15 points, while Cris Dela Pena and Jerome Garcia each had 13 points for Batangas-EAC.
Judel Fuentes had a game-high 26 points for CEU.
The scores:
Batangas-EAC 89 - De Joya 18, Tampoc 15, Dela Pena 13, Garcia 13, Ablaza 12, Maguliano 10, Mendoza 5, Altamirano 3, Bugarin 0, Corilla 0, Martin 0, Estacio 0, Mendoza 0.
CEU 87 - Fuentes 26, Manlangit 16, Cruz 15, Aquino 8, Arim 6, Veron 6, Saber 4, Caballero 3, Galinato 3, Wamar 0, Guinitaran 0, Opiso 0, Chan 0.
Quarterscores: 18-36; 45-54; 68-74; 89-87.
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