MANILA – Arellano University Chiefs secured the crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball quarterfinals after edging Mapua University, 62-58, at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
T-Mc Ongotan spearheaded the offense for the Chiefs with 15 points along with six rebounds, and three assists, while Renzo Abiera contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.
Down 53-58 late in the game, Ongotan sparked the comeback with a basket and two free throws to pull Arellano within 57-58. Abiera then nailed a go-ahead three-pointer to give the Chiefs a 60-58 lead.
Mapua failed to convert on its next possession, and Ongotan sealed the come-from-behind win with two more free throws.
“Grabe ‘yung coaching staff namin. Grabe ‘yung tiwala sa amin, grabe yung pagmo-motivate nila sa amin na kahit anong mangyari, dapat stick lang kami sa system, stick lang kami sa defense namin. Basta kung anong mangyari, basta nag-stick lang kami,” Abiera said.
Both teams finished the eliminations tied at 7-6, but the Chiefs claimed the higher seed and the twice-to-beat incentive in Group A due to a superior quotient.
“Actually, we’re manifesting ‘yan eh. Prinactice namin lahat ‘yung nangyari, kaya sobrang natuwa kami. Actually, may mga iba pa kaming strategy. Mahirap, pero ito, binigay sa amin. Siguro with the right preparation and then the will to finish the game good, ‘yun ang pinaka-importante,” said Arellano coach Chico Manabat.
Drex Delos Reyes paced the Cardinals with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while star guard Clint Escamis struggled once again, finishing with only four points.
In another game, College of St. Benilde Blazers clinched the No. 2 seed in Group B after an 87-82 victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals./PN
BOX SCORE
ARELLANO 62 – Ongotan 15, Abiera 12, Geronimo 10, Valencia 8, Hernal 4, Libang 4, Demetria 4, Buenaventura 3, Vinoya 2, Acop 0, Cabotaje 0, Camay 0, Langit 0.
MAPUA 58 – Delos Reyes 13, Cuenco 9, Gonzales 9, Recto 9, Sapasap 6, Concepcion 5, Escamis 4, Nitura 3, Igliane 2, Callangan 0, Lazarte 0, Ryan 0.
Quarterscores: 14-20, 25-33, 45-45, 62-58.
