The ‘T’ in T-Mc stands for triple-double.
The first since 2022, Sorsogon pride T-Mc Ongotan pulled down an elusive triple-double– 13 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists– that revved up the Arellano Chiefs’ offensive in their 92-65 thrashing of the LPU Pirates on Tuesday.
For three years nobody in the NCAA has delivered a triple-double– the last being Perpetual’s John Abis way back in Season 98, and, prior that, Letran’s Bong Quinto in 2018– making Ongotan only the third player to deliver such numbers in a seven-year span.
The cat-quick guard, who also became the first Chief to own a triple-double since Arellano legend and ‘Mr. Triple Double’ Jio Jalalon, also had a steal and a block with two triples to complete his all-around performance and aid Arellano secure its second win of the season.
“Hindi ko naman ine-expect na makukuha ko yon– yung makapag triple-double,” the Bulan, Sorsogon native told GMA Regional TV News following the impressive performance, “ginawa ko lang naman kung ano ang makakatulong sa akin, kung ano yung role na binibigay sa akin ni coach.”
Arellano and LPU were engaged in a neck-and-neck battle in the first two quarters, ending the half at 42-40, with Ongotan already on the triple-double watch after pouring in seven points, four rebounds, and four dimes.
The Chiefs, however, went on a red-hot 13-0 run to kick off the third quarter, with Renzo Abiera, Yuan Camay, and Joseph Hernal bringing the scoring punches throughout the second half, while Ongotan continued his all-around play adding six more in each department to complete his triple-double.
“Lagi lang sa akin sinasabi ni Coach [Chico Manabat] na be a ‘superstar’ in your role, and pag crucial yung game kailangan andun lagi ako, kailangan ako ang tatapos ng game,” the Sorsoganon said of the role given to him by the Arellano mentor.
As for Manabat, he believes that Ongotan’s accomplishment was a hard-earned one, and a welcome sight after the 5-foot-9 guard was ejected due to two technical fouls in their Mapúa clash last week.
“Actually deserve ng bata yan eh, pagpasok niya dito sabi nya ‘coach babawi ako’ pero sabi ko ‘hindi ka babawi, kundi maglalaro ka nang tama.’ And yun nga, ang ganda. It is a blessing for us, na natalo man kami, pero merong balik. Sana mag dere-deretso na,” he said in a post-game interview, referring to Ongotan’s ejection and Arellano’s recent loss to Perpetual.
Manabat also lauded the veteran leadership of Ongotan which has earned him the green light to take tough shots even in crucial plays.
“Siya na yung pinaka-beterano dyan, so all the go signals naman, at tina-trabaho niya yan eh. Alam niya yan, yung purpose and role nya sa team, now siya talaga yung isa sa go-to ko… masaya ako na si T-Mc nakukuha niya ulit confidence nya,” explained Manabat, adding that he reminded his prized guard that part of the process of being a good player is powering through the opponents’ defense despite having a target on the back.
Helping the cause for Arellano was Abiera who dealt heavy damage with 16 points, six rebounds, and two dimes, while defensive specialist AG Borromeo added 11 points, six boards, and four steals.
“Hindi nawawala ang kumpyansa ko, alam ko namang meron kaming pagkukunan which is yung depensa namin kasi dun talaga kami kumukuha (ng kumpyansa)– kung sablay man sa tira o di ka makashoot, bumabawi kami sa depensa, dun ako kumukuha ng kumpyansa,” said Ongotan.
Meanwhile, the Pirates– now 0-4 to place dead last in Group A– were led by John Barba and Renz Villegas’ 18 and 10 markers respectively, but just could not get their rhythm in the second half to counter Arellano’s offensive charge and all-out hustle.
SCORES:
Arellano 92 - Abiera 16, Ongotan 13, Borromeo 11, Vinoya 9, Hernal 9, Camay 7, Libang 6, Langit 6, Geronimo 4, Valencia 4, Cabotaje 3, Buenaventura 2, Acop 2, Espiritu 0, Miller 0
LPU 65 - Barba 18, Villegas 10, Moralejo 8, Montaño 8, Versoza 7, Daileg 4, Aviles 4, Peñafiel 2, Aurigue 2, Gordon 2, Pallingayan 0, Paulo 0, Abregana 0, Reyes 0
