NCAA: Arellano leaves no room for error with twice-to-beat edge within reach

Arellano University star T-Mc Ongotan against San Sebastian College in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball. NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Arellano University is looking to leave nothing to chance with a twice-to-beat edge in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball quarterfinals within reach for Chico Manabat’s Chiefs.

Currently sitting in second place at 6-6, Arellano has its playoff fate in its own hands, with its November 9 clash against the 5-6 Emilio Aguinaldo College serving as a virtual battle for the second seed.

The Chiefs can outright secure the quarterfinals bonus with a win over the Generals, while even a loss by four points or fewer would still work in their favor.

But even with circumstances favoring Arellano, Manabat wants the Chiefs to approach the opportunity as if they are the disadvantaged side.

“Hindi namin tinitigan yung positioning. Ang tinitignan namin, kung ano yung binibigay sa amin,” said Manabat after their 69-61 win over San Sebastian College on Tuesday.

“Nasa sa amin na yun, kung kukunin namin or hindi. Fate na rin siguro, so ta-trabahuhin namin,” Manabat emphasized.

The Chiefs indeed showed a heightened sense of urgency against the Golden Stags, erasing an early 12-point deficit before taking control in the second half, while T-MC Ongotan rediscovered his form.

But while Ongotan reasserted his place among the MVP contenders after battling through a right ankle sprain, it was the way the rest of the Chiefs stepped up that gave Manabat even more reason for optimism.

“Luckily, na-kumpyansa yung mga ‘minions’ namin,” quipped Manabat. “Actually, tatlo yung nawala, si CJ Libang, Basti Valencia, and si T-Mc, pero with or without T-Mc, kailangan nilang lahat mag-step up.”

However, with the stakes continuing to rise for Arellano, Ongotan understands that his role now extends beyond putting up numbers.

“Mga 90% na. May kirot pa rin, pero sobrang thankful ako na nakatapos na ako ng isang game,” he said. “Buti na lang nakakapag-adjust na rin ako. Everyday, nag-i-improve naman ako. So sinusuklian ko yung sakripisyo [ng coaches], yung pagti-tiyaga nila sa akin.”