One win stood between Arellano University and the end of a nine-year Final Four drought, but luck wasn’t just on the Chiefs’ side.
Arellano, which last reached the semifinals in Season 92, had secured the twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA Season 101 quarterfinals to get closer to a Final Four appearance that proved elusive since 2016.
The Chiefs’ aspirations wavered after the opening loss then the Knights pushed them out of contention for good in the must-win game.
Still, T-Mc Ongotan accepted the defeat with grace as they will now use this experience as a fuel next year, especially with the Chiefs set to return with an intact roster.
"Sobrang sarap kasi nakapunta kami sa quarterfinals. Sabi nga nina coach sa amin, gano’n talaga, hindi talaga ibibigay ‘yung Final Four," Ongotan said.
"Masakit man, pero sobrang sarap na nakapunta pa rin kami sa quarterfinals at ma-experience ‘to."
Arellano’s Season 101 run was nothing short of impressive.
The Chiefs opened their campaign losing six of their first nine outings before going on a late rampage, winning their last four games to close out the group stage round.
Of that four-game winning streak, Arellano beat Group A top seed University of Perpetual Help System DALTA as well as Lyceum and San Sebastian College to revive their outright quarterfinal berth hopes.
But their most important victory came against Mapua University, where they delivered the precise margin needed—a four-point win—to clinch the playoff bonus.
The Chiefs then absorbed two narrow losses to the Knights in the quarterfinals to formally end their gallant run.
Yet this exit is only the start for the young and talented group under head coach Chico Manabat.
"Sobrang thankful pa rin ako kasi nakarating kami sa quarterfinals. Ayun lang, kinapos lang talaga kami. Hindi lang pumabor sa amin ‘yung panahon," Ongotan added.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
