University of Perpetual Help Dalta System hung tough down the stretch to book a thrilling 76-74 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the EAC gym.

Edgar Charcos, a rookie transferee from University of the East, sizzled with 22 points while Prince Eze came a shot block away from churning out a triple-double with 15 points, 22 rebounds and nine blocks to power the Altas to their second straight win in three matches.

With that, the Altas occupied the third spot behind unbeaten Lyceum of the Philippines University and San Beda Univeristy.

Kim Aurin, a transferee from Jose Rizal, also almost pulled off a rare triple-double as he ended up with 12 points nine caroms and eight assists.

Perpetual Help coach Frankie Lim said he was impressed with how the 6-foot-9 Eze responded to his challenge of stopping Hamadou Laminou of Cameroon, who was limited to just 12 points after entering the game with a league-best average of 24 points.

“I told him (Eze) it’s his job to limit Hamadou Laminou and he responded,” said Lim.

EAC had a chance to send the game to overtime but Jerome Garcia muffed his jumper that allowed Perpetual Help to seal the win.

The Generals, who were led by rookie Maui Cruz’s 18 points, fell to their third straight defeat.

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