The Arellano Chiefs continue to ride their momentum in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament, edging the Letran Knights in an 82‑81 slugfest on Monday at the Playtime FilOil Centre to become the last undefeated team in the league.
T‑Mc Ongotan continued hot shooting this season, knocking out the reigning silver medalists with a career‑high 29 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks to lead the Chiefs atop the Group B standings.
Despite missing two key free throws that kept the game open, Ongotan credited his willingness to adjust and impact the game in other ways as the Legarda‑based squad survived a gutsy fourth quarter to move to a 4‑0 slate.
“Tina‑trabaho ko lang naman ‘yung anong pwede kong matulong sa court, lalo na medyo mahigpit ‘yung bantay sa’kin,” Ongotan said postgame. “Kanina medyo naramdaman ko talaga na medyo mahigpit na, dinadaan ko kung saan ako nakilala ni coach—‘yung rebound, ‘yung effort, ‘yung steal ko,” he added.
Ongotan Calls for Continued Consistency From Teammates
After beating the same team that eliminated them in last year’s quarterfinals, Ongotan credited the unending support of his teammates, who continued to trust his decisions down the stretch. He also called for consistency in their upcoming games.
“‘Yung consistency namin, nagtitiwala naman ako sa teammates ko kasi sinusuportahan nila ako sa mga crucial game… May tiwala na kami lahat, kahit hindi ako umiskor, nandiyan sila para tulungan ako,” Ongotan said.
The Chiefs are now just three wins away from matching their total from last season and are poised to make noise in a loaded Group B featuring the Benilde Blazers, Letran Knights, and JRU Heavy Bombers.
Ongotan and Arellano will look to remain unscathed when they face the Mapua Cardinals on Thursday, October. 1, at the same venue.
