Arellano University star player T-Mc Ongotan said in the postgame interview on November 21 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City that his mentality will remain the same, but everything goes “back to zero” as they prepare to face Colegio de San Juan de Letrán in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball playoffs.
Preparation and Hardwork for T-Mc
In a much anticipated matchup of Arellano University versus Mapúa University last Friday, the 22 year old star guard of the Chiefs was able to seal the deal, 62 to 58, against the defending champions.
In the postgame interview, when asked by Rebanse what are his thoughts on the quarterfinals playing against Colegio de San Juan de Letrán, his answer revolves around having a complete reset of what they have accomplished in the elimination round and just focusing more on the preparation, team practices and hard work.
“Unang una po, back to zero and trabaho po ulit kami sa susunod naming game po. Kung ano po yung or sino po yung makakalaban namin, paghahandaan namin and pagta-trabahuhan namin sa ensayo po.”
In the game against Mapúa, the sophomore player ended the game with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and a block to clinch the twice to beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Playing Against my Past for Head Coach Chico
When asked the same question, Arellano University Head Coach Chico Manabat said that playing against the Letrán Knights will bring him some memories as he started his coaching duties for the navy blue and white squad way back Season 91.
“Actually diba galing din akong Letrán? Doon ako unang nag NCAA [championship], naging assistant [coach] ako ni Coach Jeff [Napa]. So magandang ano yun eh, kumbaga makakalaban ko rin yung kung saan ako nanggaling. Na-mold din nila ako as as coach and then nandito na ako sa NCAA makakalaban ko na sila dun.”
Coach Chico served as an Assistant Coach with the Letrán Knights in 2015 where he won his 1st title in the NCAA.
He then aligned his next statement with what his star player had mentioned. They’re not looking at their twice to beat advantage but more on how they can beat the Letrán Knights in preparation and team practices.
“Hindi ko tinitignan yung advantage namin na twice to beat. Ang tinitignan ko paano namin sila tatalunin sa preparation and then sa tao and then maging healthy silang lahat physically and emotionally and spiritually.”
0 and 1 Against Letrán this Season 101
In their lone meeting this season, the Knights annihilated the Chiefs 83 to 65 last October 26.
I guess one thing is certain, the Letrán vs Arellano matchup will be a fireworks display. Think about the one-on-one plays we’ll see:
T-Mc Ongotan against Jonathan Manalili
Renzo Abiera against Jimboy Estrada
It’ll be the Chief’s defense against the high octane offense of the Knights.
The quarterfinals clash between the Knights and the Chiefs will happen on November 26 at FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City at 11:00 AM.
