By MARK REY MONTEJO
Arellano rediscovered its winning form and foiled San Sebastian, 78-71, to end its three-game slide in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City Wednesday, Nov. 12.
T-Mc Ongotan struck hardest for the Chiefs, spearheading a huge third quarter attack before nailing three crucial free throws late that slammed the door on any Stags’ comeback.
Ongotan listed 25 points on top of six rebounds, two assists, and two steals as Arellano hiked its card to 4-6 at third in Group A, just behind second-running Mapua which boasts a 5-5 slate
Renzo Abiera provided ample support with 20 points while Joseph Hernal chipped in nine.
“Ang kinukuha namin dito ay, kung ‘di man kami mag-number two, ‘yong number three, possible,” said Arellano coach Chico Manabat.
“Pagbalik natin sa group natin, pag binigay na sa atin ‘yong opportunity, kunin na natin. Kunin na natin at wag na natin pabayaan,” he added.
San Sebastian, for its part, wasted the momentum from its back-to-back wins and settled for a 3-8 record at fourth.
Oneil Castor and Christian Ricio finished with 19 and 14 points, respectively for Baste but to no avail. Reigning Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week Jhuniel Dela Rama, meanwhile, dropped 11 points and six rebounds in a losing effort.
The scores:
Arellano 78 – Ongotan 25, Abiera 20, Hernal 9, Geronimo 6, Valencia 4, Vinoya 4, Borromeo 2, Demetria 2, Camay 2, Cabotaje 2, Acop 2, Libang 0, Buenaventura 0, Langit 0, Anama 0.
San Sebastian 71 – Castor 19, Ricio 14, Segovia 11, Dela Rama 11, Felebrico 5, Cabilla 5, Gabat 4, Lumanag 2, Cuajao 0, Dimaunahan 0.
Quarters: 22-20, 40-38, 63-55, 78-71.
