T-Mc Ongotan flashed his all-around game to steer Arellano University to a 92-65 thrashing of Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 101 on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The do-it-all guard dropped 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to become the first Arellano player to record a triple-double outing since Jio Jalalon’s feat in 2015.
Renzo Abiera continued his steady rise with 16 markers, six boards, two dimes, and one steal as the Chiefs improved to 2-2 in Group A before crossing over to take on teams from the other pool.
The loss means the Pirates, a consistent Final Four team in the last three editions, will remain winless at 0-4.
"Siguro it was a collective effort ng mga players and gusto talaga nilang manalo, hindi ko na nga tinignan 'yung stats e, ni-remind lang din ako sa panel kanina na we only had six turnovers," Arellano head coach Chico Manabat.
"Nakakagulat 'yun and 'yung key players ko like si Ongotan ay triple-double. Ang galing. Sobrang tinrabaho namin 'yan and sa practice, ni-ready talaga namin siya."
(It was a collective efforts for the players and they really wanted to win. I didn't even look at the stats, I was just reminded at the panel that we only had six turnovers... That's surprising and key players like Ongotan had a triple-double. So good. We worked hard for that and in practice we really got him ready.)
Arellano rode on a strong second half to add to the woes of a struggling LPU side with Ongotan, Yuan Camay, and Abiera powering a 13-0 run to turn a 42-40 halftime lead to a 55-40 cushion that basically set the stage for the runaway victory.
Joseph Hernal then scored six points as part of a 10-5 blast that saw the Chiefs take a comfortable 76-55 cushion as LPU left scrambling for answers.
LPU also couldn't catch a break health-wise with Joshua Moralejo and Dave Paulo going down with apparent injuries late in the fourth period.
Ato Barba was among the bright spots despite the LPU loss as the graduating guard poured 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one blocks while Renz Villegas chipped in 10 markers.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
