By: Joaquin Cortez
Arellano University overcame a double-digit deficit to fend off an injury-riddled San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 69-61, and clinch a quarterfinals berth in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the victory, the Chiefs snapped their three-game losing streak to improve to 6-6, overtaking Emilio Aguinaldo College for sole possession of second place in Group A with one game remaining in Round 3.
Meanwhile, the Stags moved closer to an unwanted milestone, now standing just one loss away from becoming the first team since Philippine Christian University to finish an NCAA season winless. The Dolphins endured winless campaigns in Seasons 72 and 73.
San Sebastian was severely hampered by the absences of Christian Ricio (Grade 1 left hamstring strain), Matt Acosta (left ACL tear), John Ynot (hyperextended knee), and Alvin Alforque (suspension), dropping to 0-12 following Tuesday’s defeat.
“Saludo ako sa coaches ng San Sebastian. Ang hirap nilang talunin at ang ganda rin ng preparations nila. Nag-adjust rin kami kasi nakabalik na si Basti (Valencia) at T-Mac (Ongotan), na coming pa sa injury, and nasagad ko siya ng 30 minutes,” Arellano head coach Chico Manabat said.
“‘Yung mga injuries talaga, ‘yan ‘yung nag-suffer din kami. Isa o dalawa lang mawala dito sa lineup, medyo malaki ‘yung impact sa amin ‘yun. Ang maganda, nakakuha kami ng strength doon at kailangan mag-step up lahat,” he added.
The Stags established a lead of as many as 12 points in the first half before Khit Barroga knocked down a three-pointer to give San Sebastian a 40-36 advantage at halftime.
Arellano gradually chipped away at the deficit, with King Vinoya converting a free throw to give the Chiefs their first lead of the game at the start of the third quarter, 41-40.
The two sides continued to trade baskets before Ralph Gabat split his free throws to give Arellano a slim 51-50 lead heading into the final period.
The Chiefs then took control in the fourth quarter, holding the Stags scoreless for nearly six minutes while unleashing a 10-0 run, capped by Renzo Abiera’s dunk, to build a 60-51 advantage.
Kent Bacani gave San Sebastian one last push, burying a triple to cut the deficit to four, 60-56, with 3:44 remaining.
However, Abiera answered with a crucial three-pointer to restore Arellano’s seven-point cushion, 65-58, with two minutes left.
The Chiefs held on down the stretch, with Vinoya and Ongotan knocking down their free throws to seal the victory.
Ongotan, who had been hampered by an ankle injury in recent games, delivered a game-high 22 points, along with five rebounds and four blocks, in 30 minutes and 24 seconds of action. Abiera chipped in 19 points and seven rebounds.
Valencia also returned to action for the first time since October 9, when he last suited up in the Chiefs’ eight-point loss to College of Saint Benilde. He finished with four points and four rebounds in 20 minutes and 53 seconds of playing time.
Meanwhile, Bacani led the Stags with 19 points and three rebounds, while Nurben Muktimar contributed 16 points and nine rebounds.
Arellano will look to close out the third round on a high note when it takes on Emilio Aguinaldo College on Monday, November 9, at 5 p.m.
San Sebastian, meanwhile, will attempt to avoid the unwanted distinction when it faces the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Friday, November 6, at 3 p.m.
Both games will be held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Scores:
Arellano 69 – Ongotan 22, Abiera 19, Vinoya 11, Geronimo 6, Valencia 4, Borromero 2, Langit 2, Manansala 2, Hernal 1, Camay 0, Buenaventura 0, Flores 0, Cabotaje 0, Barraca 0.
San Sebastian 61 – Bacani 19, Muktimar 16, Barroga 7, Gabat 7, Castor 4, Cuya 3, Velasco 3, Kitane 1, Suico 1, Salvo 0.
Quarterscores: 14-20, 36-40, 50-51, 69-61.
