NCAA: Valencia’s heroics steer Arellano past San Beda to snap skid

Arellano University’s Basti Valencia against San Beda University in NCAA Season 102. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — After squandering a 15-point lead and losing T-Mc Ongotan to an apparent right ankle injury, Basti Valencia put on his superhero cape to steer Arellano University back into the win column.

The “Robin” to Ongotan’s “Batman” drained the game-winning basket in the final 13 seconds as Arellano stunned defending champion San Beda University, 56-55, in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

“Andyan naman si ‘Robin.’ Eksakto, first option ko si ‘Robin,’ and nag deliver naman,” said Chiefs head coach Chico Manabat of Valencia, who tallied seven points and seven rebounds as Arellano notched its fifth win in eight games to take a firm hold on Group B’s top seed.

“Sinabi ko lang sa mga bata to just believe para ma-break namin yung 0-3 [skid] namin sa crossover,” added Manabat, whose team held on defensively to stop Aldous Torculas’ game-winning attempt at the buzzer.

Ongotan had 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists before exiting the game at the 2:42 mark, while AG Borromeo chipped in seven points.

Torculas earlier led the Red Lions’ second-half surge, even draining the go-ahead three-pointer for a 55-53 lead with 3:16 remaining before Arellano fought back to reclaim control.

He finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, but San Beda succumbed to its third loss in eight games.

Arellano 56 — Ongotan 17, Valencia 7, Borromeo 7, Vinoya 6, Manansala 5, Buenaventura 4, Geronimo 4, Flores 3, Hernal 2, Langit 1, Camay 0, Barraca 0, Cabotaje 0, Abiera 0.

San Beda 55 — Torculas 17, Marcelo 10, Puno 7, Calimag 7, Estacio 4, Dabao 4, Hawkins 3, Lina 2, Songcuya 1, Jamora 0, Reyes 0, Etulle 0, Jalbuena 0, Efron 0.

Quarterscores: 17-11, 38-25, 48-41, 56-55.