Arellano University found its form just in the nick of time, finishing the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament group phase with a bang to secure a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the quarterfinals.
The Chiefs’ late resurgence was powered by T-Mc Ongotan, who copped his third Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) NCAA Player of the Week award.
Having been vested with the individual award the week prior, Ongotan carried over his production against Lyceum of the Philippines University, posting a double-double of 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in a 74-56 win over the Group A cellar dwellers.
Carrying a three-game win streak and a chance at a twice-to-beat bonus, the Chiefs faced defending champion Mapua University next.
With the game hanging in the balance and points differential to keep in mind, Arellano relied on Ongotan to calmly hit two free throws to ice the win, 62-58.
"“Hindi naman sa akin ’yung pressure. Kasi nga, lagi sa amin sinasabi ni Coach Chico na ’yung pressure, huwag namin bitawan, yakapin namin," Ongotan said.
He finished the bout against the Cardinals with an all-around effort of 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, four steals and a block.
Due to the heroics of Ongotan and the resiliency of Arellano, they finished group play on the back of four straight victories, good for a 7-6 win-loss card.
Ongotan, with 12 games under his belt, averaged 16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals — leading Arellano in those metrics.
The Arellano ace’s stellar performance in the final week of eliminations beat strong competition for the weekly recognition voted upon by print and online scribes covering the collegiate sports beat.
San Beda University’s Janti Miller, Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Titing Manalili, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s reigning Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag were also considered for the award for the period of November 19 to 23.
—Juris Salvanera/JKC, GMA Integrated News
