THE Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals weathered a big scare from the La Salle-Dasmari?as Patriots and escaped with a 76-67 victory yesterday in the 16th National Capital Region Athletic Association men?s basketball tournament at the San Andres Gym in Manila.

Substitute coach Gerry Esplana felt relieved after Cameroonian cager Romeo Fotue forced a turnover in the last 24.6 seconds after the Patriots threatened, 66-69. Fotue then scored two of four insurance baskets at endgame.

?Ang maganda dito ay nanalo kami. Pero, iyung consistency ng team, iyun ang gusto kong makita,? said Esplana, who called the shots in the absence of Gino Manuel.

With their seventh win in nine games, the Generals stayed in contention for the third semifinal slot. They now have a chance to join the defending champion Arellano University Chiefs and Universal College Golden Dragons in the next phase of this cagefest backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls and www.philspike.com.

Esplana, who retired from the Philippine Basketball Association in 2004, was tapped to help out with the Generals, while Manuel was busy with Ilocos Sur team playing in the Liga Pilipinas.

Fotue, who led with 19 points, forced a turnover that halted a 7-0 Patriots? run as La Salle-Dasma closed in by three at 66-69 in the last minute. His charities and another pair from Argel Mendoza allowed the Generals to stay out of trouble, 74-66.

Rico Rivera made 28 points for the Patriots, while Louie Chy had eight, including the six he scored when the Patriots trimmed the Generals? lead by three in the final minute.

Esplana will still be around when the Generals tackle the Leo Isaac-mentored Chiefs in a very important 2:30 p.m. game tomorrow at the Arellano University Gym.

Meanwhile, Mike Dumas unloaded 21 points for the Olivarez College Baby Lions, who whipped EAC, 88-44, in the junior division. Peter Atencio