EMILIO Aguinaldo College is just a win away from history.
And Jude Bagay and EJ Castillo made sure the Generals won't flub that golden chance.
The two guards were at the forefront of EAC's huge 102-93 victory over Arellano on Monday at Philsports Arena in Pasig, securing the no. 2-seed in the Group B of the NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball tournament.
It probably is the biggest win to date for the Generals basketball program which has not made it to the Final Four since joining the league in 2009 as this conquest earned them a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
They now await their playoff date between the loser of Tuesday's game between San Beda and Benilde.
Bagay dropped 23 points and three assists, while Castillo shot a perfect 3-of-3 from downtown for his own 23 points, four rebounds, and two assists as they energized the San Marcelino crew to hold off the relentless Chiefs.
Wilmar Oftana also added 18 points, four dimes, and three rebounds as EAC got help from all around, including Jacob Shanoda who made big plays late as well as the dagger three in the waning seconds to end up with nine points and two boards as the Generals finished their eliminations on a four-game win streak and end up with a 7-6 slate.
"Lahat kami nagtulungan ng coaches ko and teammates," said Castillo. "Yung panalo na ito gusto namin pero di pa tapos ang trabaho namin."
But EAC still faced a bit of resistance especially with Renzo Abiera catching fire in the third frame and helping Arellano rally from 11-points down to cut the lead to four, 75-71, with 1:35 left in the frame.
The Generals, though, were too poised in this contest, answering back with a 7-3 assault in those final 95 seconds to restore order at 82-74 heading to the payoff period and denied repeated rallies from the Chiefs.
Basti Valencia topped Arellano in the losing cause with 23 points, four assists, and three rebounds, as King Vinoya got 22 points and nine boards.
Abiera also scored 13 of his 18 points in that furious third quarter rally, but the Chiefs will now have to await their fate in the playoffs as the no. 3-seed, which will have a twice-to-win disadvantage in the last eight.
The Scores:
EAC 102 -- Bagay 23, Castillo 23, Oftana 18, Shanoda 9, Nunag 8, H. Raymundo 8, Ochavo 6, M. Raymundo 4, Bonus 3, Sealey 0, Coronel 0, Buen 0.
ARELLANO 93 -- Valencia 23, Vinoya 22, Abiera 18, Ongotan 9, Flores 4, Langit 4, Borromeo 3, Manansala 3, Buenaventura 1, Geronimo 0, Camay 0.
Quarters: 31-30, 64-56, 82-74, 102-93.
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