The tandem of Basti Valencia and T-mc Ongotan fueled Arellano University’s fourth quarter breakaway, escaping Jose Rizal University, 81-77, to remain alive in NCAA Season 100 on Tuesday.
The Chiefs overcame a double-digit deficit and rode a strong finish to improve to 6-9 while the Heavy Bombers slipped to 4-1 and are on the brink of bombing out of contention.
Valencia led the charge from start to finish, tying his career-high 25 points to go with five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block while Ongotan posted 17 markers, 10 of which he dropped in the crucial fourth quarter, while also grabbing six boards, two dimes, and four steals.
"Malaki [itong panalo na 'to] kasi 'yung last four games namin ay importante sa amin, critical to 'eh. Baka may pag-asa pa kami and then kung mag-open sa amin 'yung opportunities, why not, kukunin namin 'yun," Arellano coach Chico Manabat said
"One game at a time pa rin and tatrabahuhin namin."
Once separated by 12 points in the first quarter when JRU built a 22-10 lead, the two schools then engaged in a tight affair in the following quarters. The Heavy Bombers, though, got a slight advantage heading to the final period, 62-57, thanks to rookie MJ Raymundo.
The Chiefs turned to Ongotan, whose three straight baskets saw Arellano gaining a slim 67-66 advantage. JRU countered with a 9-4 rampage led by Shawn Argente's steady free throw shooting as the wards of head coach Louie Gonzalez zoomed to a crucial 75-71 cushion.
That didn't ultimately finish off the Chiefs as Valencia, whose 15-point outing in the first half kept them close, did the heavy lifting in the end by nailing a tough floater followed by back-to-back jumpers for a 77-75 lead.
Tied again at 77-all, Arellano relied on defense after JL Capulong rejected Ivan Panapaan on his layup attempt that led to another Valencia jumper to seal the deal.
Ernjay Geronimo and Capulong supplied the support with 12 and 10 points apiece with the big man also collecting six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
Joshua Guiab's 20-point outing went for naught as the Heavy Bombers dropped to their second straight loss as Argente chipped in 15 markers in the loss.
Scores:
Arellano 81 – Valencia 25, Ongotan 17, Geronimo 12, Capulong 10, Camay 9, Vinoya 2, Borromeo 2, Hernal 2, Miller 1, Libang 1, Abiera 0, Flores 0.
JRU 77 – Guiab 20, Argente 15, Barrera 14, Raymundo 9, Bernardo 6, De Leon 5, Ramos 3, De Jesus 3, Sarmiento 2, Panapanaan 0, Pangilinan 0, Mosqueda 0, Ferrer 0.
Quarters: 15-24, 41-40, 57-62, 81-77
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
