Arellano University stormed back into the win column on Tuesday, overpowering Lyceum of the Philippines University, 92–65, in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament, October 14, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
It was a solid bounce-back win for the Chiefs after a close loss to unbeaten Perpetual Help over the weekend, showing better control and execution on both ends to even their record at 2–2.
Chiefs’ Second-Half Surge
Arellano started slow in the opening quarter, struggling to keep pace with Lyceum’s quick offensive execution and trailing by as much as six points. But the Chiefs found their rhythm late in the first period with an 8–2 run that trimmed the deficit to 18–20.
In the second quarter, Lyceum’s Barba caught fire with consecutive baskets, including a triple that gave the Pirates their biggest lead at 37–31. However, the Chiefs refused to back down. A determined drive by Hernal cut the lead to 33–37, before T-mc Ongotan knotted the game at 37-all off a fastbreak layup following a turnover, one of Lyceum’s 11 miscues compared to only three from Arellano in the first half.
Moments later, Anthony Borromeo capitalized on another steal to hand Arellano its first lead, 39–38, before Ongotan drove to the rim again to make it 41–38. The Chiefs closed the half on top, 42–40, and never looked back.
Ongotan opened the third quarter with a three-pointer that set the tone for the Chiefs’ dominant run. Renzo Abiera and Yuan Camay joined the scoring burst, combining for multiple triples that stretched the lead to 55–40, as Lyceum went scoreless for the first few minutes of the period.
Arellano maintained its momentum throughout the second half, displaying sharp ball movement and relentless defense. With two minutes left, Langit scored off Ongotan’s assist, 87–61, before Anjord Cabotaje buried a dagger three to seal the blowout win, 92–65.
Abiera led the Chiefs with 16 points, while Ongotan shined with a 13-point, 10-rebound triple-double, becoming the first player in nearly three years to record such a feat in the NCAA — the last being John Abis of Perpetual on November 11, 2022.
After the game, Coach Chico Manabat praised his team’s resilience and defensive adjustments after a slow start. "Big adjustment namin ‘yung defense. We’re not looking for stats; ang importante ay ‘yong collective effort ng mga bata," Manabat said. He also acknowledged the team’s small-ball identity, "Yes, d’yan kami kilala — pusong palaban, Arellano ‘yan. Maliit man ang height namin pero ‘yung puso na ‘yan, ‘yan ang magdadala," he added.
Manabat likewise lauded T-mc Ongotan’s leadership after their previous loss. "Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Coach, babawi ako,’ at ginawa nga niya. ‘Yung maturity at leadership niya pinakita niya."
Braves Hold Off Lyceum for Juniors Division Win
Meanwhile, in the juniors division, the Arellano Braves also notched a victory, fending off Lyceum, 77–71, to cap a successful day for the Arellano basketball program. Like their seniors, the Braves struggled early before recovering with a strong second quarter, regaining control by halftime at 54–42. Lyceum threatened in the final frame as Arellano went scoreless for six straight minutes, but the Braves held firm on defense and capitalized on key stops to halt the Pirates’ rally in the dying minutes.
Ray Ladica, who previously starred in their win against Perpetual, delivered another stellar performance with 15 points, while Sean Franco matched his output with 15 points and eight rebounds.
The victory marked Arellano’s third straight win, improving to 3–1 in Group A standings.
Both teams will look to carry the momentum on the crossover round campaign when they face the EAC Generals on Friday, October 16.
- Carlo T. Arsula
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