University of Perpetual Help outlasted Emilio Aguinaldo College, 86-80, to keep its Final Four hopes alive in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday, Nov. 18.

Jelo Razon fired 22 points including in crucial moments to give the Altas their ninth victory against eight losses.

While the win redeemed Perpetual’s 75-67 first-loss defeat to EAC, it also spoiled the Generals’ Final Four campaign after falling to an 8-9 win-loss mark. 

The Altas nearly squandered a 26-point lead after the Ralph Robin unloaded six straight points to trim the Generals’ gap at 82-78 with less than two minutes left.

But it proved to be EAC’s last stand as Perpetual held on to its advantage until the final buzzer.

Art Roque backstopped Razon with 14 points and eight rebounds while Christian Pagaran chipped in 12.

JP Maguliano chalked up an all-around effort of 23 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal while Gurtiza and Kyle Ochavo scored 15 and 14 points, respectively.

The Scores

Perpetual 86- Razon 22, Roque 14, Pagaran 12, Abis 8, Nunez 7, Nitura 6, Omega 4, Boral 4, Ferreras 3, Barcuma 2, Sevilla 2, Gelsano 2, Orgo 0, Cuevas 0, Movida 0

EAC 80 -  Maguliano 23, Gurtiza 15, Ochavo 14, Robin 10, Cosejo 7, Quinal 5, Doria 4, Luciano 1, Angeles 1, Tolentino 0, Bacud 0, Loristo 0, Umpad 0, Cosa 0, Balowa 0

Quarters: 24-11; 45-25; 69-54; 86-80