To say that Arellano University’s T-Mc Ongotan has been on a tear of late is an absolute understatement. 

In the Chiefs’ 74-56 trumping of LPU on Wednesday, the Bulan, Sorsogon native scattered 24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks while shooting 9-for-18 from the field.

Ongotan laced it with two threes, four offensive boards, and a perfect 4-for-4 clip from the free throw line as the two-time NCAA Season 101 Collegiate Press Corps ‘Player of the Week’ earned yet another best player of the game nod. 

Second to Ongotan’s game-high 24 markers was Mav Vinoya’s 14 points, which the serviceable big topped with 4 rebounds and 3 steals despite playing limited minutes (15). 

But it was Ongotan’s consistent production that has been the notable focal point in Arellano’s inspired and urgent rally late in the classification round. 

His double-double performance versus LPU was not an isolated case. Given that Arellano’s twice-to-beat aspirations are still alive, it shouldn’t be a surprise if the cat-quick guard is taking it upon himself to fight until the wheels fall off.  

The 5-foot-9 guard tore the stat sheets in his past three outings that steered Arellano to consecutive wins in as many games. Against San Sebastian, Ongotan went ballistics with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. 

Days later, he dropped 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 dimes with 0 turnovers to lead a major upset over top seed Perpetual. 

It is also noteworthy to mention that Ongotan is Arellano’s chief performer in points, rebounds, and assists with big-time averages of 16.73 points, 5.64 boards, and 2.73 assists with a game remaining in the elimination round.

But the Arellano Chiefs’ final assignment in the classification phase will not be a walk in the park. On Friday, they will take on the defending champions Mapúa Cardinals in a highly anticipated battle for the second seed and a twice-to-beat incentive.