Arellano University made an early statement in Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament after dismantling San Sebastian College, 98-72, Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

T-Mc Ongotan fired 23 points as the Chiefs joined Letran College on top of Group B with identical 1-0 win-loss records.

Arellano head coach Chico Manabat said his players followed the game plan from start to finish, showing the commitment they had built during their preparations.

“We prepared physically and mentally. People might not see what we’ve been doing, but beyond that, the players really committed to this season,” Manabat said.

“They played until the very end. We saw that so-called killer instinct.”

Sebastian Valencia sparked Arellano’s dominant start, scoring on a layup with 9:55 left in the opening quarter to ignite a 10-0 run.

The Chiefs never looked back and stretched their lead to 29 points, 84-55, after another Valencia layup with 6:21 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Arellano made San Sebastian pay for its 29 turnovers, converting them into 29 points while also scoring 29 fastbreak points.