For the first time in nearly three years, the NCAA witnessed a triple-double performance—and it came from Arellano Chiefs’ very own T-mc Ongotan, who led the Chiefs to a commanding 92–65 win over the Lyceum of the Philippines University in NCAA Season 101.
The 5’9” guard from Bulan, Sorsogon tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the first player since Perpetual’s John Abis in 2022 to record the elusive stat line. For three years, nobody in the NCAA had delivered a triple-double—the last being Abis back in Season 98, and prior to that, Letran’s Bong Quinto in 2018—making Ongotan only the third player to achieve such numbers in a seven-year span.
His all-around brilliance lifted Arellano to solo third in Group A.
Arellano started slow, trailing by as much as six points in the opening quarter as Lyceum found an early offensive rhythm. But Ongotan’s energy shifted the momentum—first tying the game at 37-all with a smooth hangtime drive off a turnover, then giving the Chiefs their first lead at 39–38 with a fearless coast-to-coast finish.
The third quarter was all for the Legarda-based squad. Ongotan opened the period with a three-pointer that sparked a 15–0 run, turning a slim 42–40 halftime lead into a commanding 57–40 advantage. He dictated the tempo and set up teammates for easy baskets, while Lyceum struggled to find an answer. Ongotan’s final assist to Langit in the closing minutes, pushing the score to 87–61, sealed the blowout and his place in NCAA history.
In his post-game interview, Ongotan admitted that his historic triple-double came as a surprise. "Hindi ko in-expect na makaka-triple double," he said. "Nung last game namin [against UPHSD Atlas], umiskor ako ng 20 points pero sabi sa’kin ni coach kahapon, maging composed lang ako kasi siguradong yung depensa, mapupunta sa’kin."
The young guard also spoke about his ongoing growth as a team leader, a role his coaches have long been preparing him for. "Matagal nang sinasabi sa’kin ni coach na kailangan kong maging leader dito since karamihan sa mga laro namin dikit at crucial, kaya kailangan ng isang player na composed at kayang gampanan yung role." Ongotan shared.
When asked what the "T" in T-mc stands for, Ongotan answered with a grin, "Tapang." True to his words, he played with courage and composure throughout the game.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Chico Manabat couldn’t help but express pride in Ongotan’s breakout performance. "Wow! Pagkatapos ng talo namin last game, sabi niya sa akin, ‘Coach, pasensya na. Babawi ako,’" Manabat recalled. "Sabi ko, ‘Walang sorry dito, lesson ‘yan.’ At pinakita niya ngayon yung maturity at leadership na gusto naming makita."
Ongotan’s triple-double marks the first in nearly three years in the NCAA—a rare achievement that underscores his steady improvement and value to the Chiefs’ roster. With his trademark "Tapang," composure, and leadership, T-Mac Ongotan didn’t just steer Arellano to victory—he showed that he can rise to the challenge when his team needs him most.
As the Chiefs move forward in their NCAA Season 101 campaign, Ongotan’s all-around effort will be crucial to sustaining their momentum and pushing for a deeper run in the tournament.
- Carlo T. Arsula
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