MANILA -- Emilio Aguinaldo College proved that they can resurrect even after dropping their first three games in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament Wednesday afternoon.

Emilian Vargas notched 14 of his 17 point output in the fourth quarter to defeat College of St. Benilde, 76-71, before a cheering crowd at the Arena in San Juan.

The Generals finally barged into the win column (1-3) while Benilde suffered its second consecutive loss (1-2) after bowing out to powerhouse San Beda last week.

“All the pressure is gone and I’m positive in whatever is happening now. We keep holding together. Good thing we have a two-week break and the cancellation of the game (last July 14) due to a storm. We have prepared well for this game,” said second year coach Nomar Isla.

Claude Cube scored a double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and an assist while Argel Mendoza added 11 markers for the Manila-based squad. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)