Ongotan Drops 29 As Arellano Beats Letran In 82-81 Thriller To Stay Perfect

Arellano University preserved its impressive record, edging Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a wire-to-wire finish, 82-81, to claim sole possession of the top spot in Group B of the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the Playtime Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Star guard T-Mc Ongotan spearheaded the Chiefs' charge, unleashing a career-high 29 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Despite missing two crucial free throws late in the game, Ongotan anchored the Chiefs through relentless defensive effort and hustle.

"Inisip ko lang kung ano 'yung pwede kong maitulong sa team natin, lalo na nung late-game na tight game," Ongotan said on his mindset down the stretch. "Ginawa ko lang kung ano 'yung pwede kong gawin kahit wala sa akin 'yung bola, katulad ng rebound, defense, and 'yung mga steals."

Trailing by six at halftime (42-48), the Chiefs swung the momentum in the third period by dominating the offensive glass. Arellano outscored Letran 26-15 in the quarter to take a 68-63 lead entering the final frame

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Arellano faced adversity with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Basti Valencia was disqualified following an unsportsmanlike foul on Kevin Santos. Letran immediately capitalized, with Chad Gammad scoring four straight points to put the Knights ahead, 76-73.

The Chiefs responded with an 8-0 run capped by a clutch Karl Flores three-pointer to reclaim the lead, 81-76, with three minutes remaining. 

Letran fought back through late baskets from Gammad and Justin Cargo, but potential game-winning attempts by Denzil Walker and Nat Montecillo bounced off the rim as time expired.

Arellano Head Coach Chico Manabat commended his squad's maturity, poise, and "will to win," attributing their success to the lessons forged in previous seasons.

"Siguro 'yun 'yung fruit of labor namin sa mga nangyari doon sa preseason, 'yung mga lessons learned, 'yung mga in-improve namin, and of course 'yung maturity," Coach Chico stated. "Evident na evident na 'yung mga bata, 'yung composure nila together, 'yung togetherness, at gusto nila manalo—'yung will to win."

Coach Chico Manabat also expressed concern for Letran star guard Titing Manalili, who sat out the matchup while recovering from a right wrist sprain.

"I wish makarecover agad siya and nawa makalaban ng mga bata para ma-test din natin kung hanggang saan 'yung team," the Chiefs head coach added.

When asked about Ongotan's two-way performance and unique style of play, Coach Chico Manabat shared a light moment during the press conference.

"Unique si T-Mac. Sabi nga nila dapat siya 'yung magiging product ng Arellano na talagang pusong lumalaban," joked Manabat. "If iko-compare ko sa akin siguro, kasi kita naman natin... medyo lamang lang ako ng paligo sa kanya!"

Looking ahead to the crossover round, Coach Chico Manabat emphasized staying grounded: "Trabaho lang ulit, tapos tingnan namin 'yung mag-no-cross sa amin sa other group. Sabi ko sa kanila maging consistent, togetherness, tapos 'yung pusong palaban lang naman 'yung baon namin."

Gammad led Letran with a career-best 23 points powered by six three-pointers, while Cargo chipped in 20 points.

The Scores:

ARELLANO 82 – Ongotan 29, Flores 10, Vinoya 9, Valencia 9, Geronimo 9, Borromeo 6, Manansala 3, Abiera 3, Camay 2, Libang 2, Buenaventura 0, Cabotaje 0.

LETRAN 81 – Gammad 23, Cargo 20, Walker 10, Estrada 9, Valdeavilla 6, Buensalida 5, Santos 4, Montecillo 2, Diamante 2, Hugo 0, Reyes 0.

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media