By: Miguel Caramoan
Arellano University completed a sweep of the Group A second round, clinching the coveted second spot with a gritty 62-58 win over Mapua University in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Not only did this victory tie Arellano at 7-6 with Mapua, the Chiefs’ four-point win was enough to secure the second twice-to-beat advantage heading into the quarterfinals, thanks to a superior point differential.
Mapua’s 90-87 win in the first round ultimately wasn’t enough to keep them ahead.
“Actually, masarap talaga pero hindi pa tapos ang laban. Marami pa tayong tatrabahuhin and siguro bonus na ‘to eh, na meron kaming ganitong advantage,” Chiefs head coach Chico Manabat said.
The win also ensures that the Perpetual Altas will secure the top spot in Group A, regardless of the result of their last game against the LPU Pirates on Sunday.
Despite the tight defensive pressure, T-Mc Ongotan delivered 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Renzo Abiera backed him up with 12 points and seven boards, knocking down three crucial baskets alongside Ongotan to help seal the win.
“Sabi ko team tayo, and together everyone achieves more. Pero hindi tayo magse-settle dun kay T-Mc kasi pinag-aaralan na nila yan, how much more kung tutulungan niyo pa?” Manabat said on how Abiera and other teammates have helped Ongotan.
“Yun ang pinakamaganda na ginagawa ng players ko ngayon eh – lack of talent, pero yung puso nila nandun talaga.”
With the game tied at 45 after three quarters, a quick 9-0 start in the fourth gave the Cardinals a 54-45 cushion through Cyrus Cuenco’s pair of free throws at the 6:45 mark. Yet Arellano had the last laugh, finishing the game with a 9-0 run, powered by Ongotan’s four points and a crucial triple from Abiera.
“Bibigay ko sa mga coaches and players ko yan, yun talaga tinrabaho namin. Kasi pagpasok ko pa lang don, yun na yung sinabi nila na gusto namin manalo and kung saan tayo dalhin dun tayo – sa tinrabaho natin. Siguro, right place, right timing – then lahat nag-materiaize naman,” Manabat said on their game approach and hard work paying off.
The Chiefs will face Group B’s third seed, the Letran Knights, armed with the twice-to-beat advantage as they aim to enter the Final Four for the first time since 2016.
On the other hand, Drex Delos Reyes led the Cardinals with 13 points and 10 rebounds. A Season 100 finals rematch awaits in the quarterfinals, with the Benilde Blazers looking to avenge their defeat against Mapua while holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
The Scores:
Arellano 62 – Ongotan 15, Abiera 12, Geronimo 10, Valencia 8, Demetria 4, Hernal 4, Libang 4, Buenaventura 3, Vinoya 2, Langit 0, Borromeo 0, Camay 0, Acop 0, Cabotaje 0
Mapua 58 – Delos Reyes 13, Gonzales 9, Recto 9, Cuenco 7, Sapasap 6, Concepcion 5, Escamis 4, Nitura 3, Igliane 2, Lazarte 0, Ryan 0, Callangan 0
Quarterscores: 14-20, 25-33, 45-45, 62-58
