NCAA: Ongotan, Valencia’s heroics power Arellano past EAC

Arellano University‘s T-Mc Ongotan against Emilio Aguinaldo College in NCAA Season 102. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — T-Mc Ongotan and Basti Valencia delivered when it mattered most as Arellano University overcame Emilio Aguinaldo College, 91-87, in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

Ongotan pushed the Chiefs’ lead to three, 90-87, after Valencia drained the go-ahead three-pointer on the previous play, leading Arellano to its second straight win in as many games and a tie with Colegio de San Juan de Letran at the top of Group B.

“Batman and Robin sila. And sa endgame, yun ang pinractice nila,” said head coach Chico Manabat, as Ongotan tied the contest at 84-all with a three-pointer with 3:11 left before eventually tallying 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

Valencia was solid with 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while King Vinoya posted 15 points, four rebounds, an assist, and a block for the Chiefs, whose defense held on to force Wilmar Oftana to miss his game-tying attempt with 6.0 seconds left.

The Generals, meanwhile, absorbed their second straight loss in as many outings, despite 16 points and eight rebounds from Jude Bagay and 15 points from Kyle Ochavo.

MJ Raymundo and Jacob Shanoda each scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Joseph Nunag added 12 points and nine rebounds.

Arellano 91 — Ongotan 26, Vinoya 15, Valencia 14, Cabotaje 8, Borromeo 6, Camay 6, Geronimo 5, Manansala 5, Buenaventura 3, Libang 2, Hernal 1, Langit 0, Flores 0, Abiera 0.

EAC 87 — Bagay 16, Ochavo 15, M. Raymundo 14, Shanoda 14, Nunag 12, Castillo 8, Mundas 4, Oftana 2, Coronel 2, H. Raymundo 0, Baniqued 0, Bonus 0, Namoro 0, Lanceta 0.

Quarterscores: 25-24, 47-44, 68-70, 91-87.