EMILIO Aguinaldo College strengthened its bid for a Final Four spot with a 69-59 victory over Arellano University on Saturday in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Harvey Pagsanjan led the charge for the Generals with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. With the win, EAC moved into a tie for fourth place with Lyceum of the Philippines University at 8-8.

The Generals have two crucial games left in the elimination round: a showdown with Lyceum on Tuesday and a matchup against Jose Rizal University on Friday. Winning both would secure EAC’s first-ever Final Four appearance since joining the league 15 years ago.

College of Saint Benilde (13-2), Mapua University (12-3), and defending champion San Beda University (10-5) have already qualified for the semifinals.

King Gurtiza added 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Gelo Loristo contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. EAC also bested Arellano in an earlier encounter this season, 87-80 in overtime, on September 8.

For Arellano (6-10), Tmac Ongotan posted 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Basil Valencia chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, and four steals, while Anthony Borromeo added 11 points and seven rebounds.

In another game, San Sebastian College-Recoletos defeated University of Perpetual Help, 83-72. Tristan Francisco led the Stags (5-11) with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Christian Pagaran scored 16 points for the Altas (4-12).