ONE would think ending a 20-year Final Four dry spell would be enough to please College of St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu.
Think again.
“We need to find a way to get that No. 2 spot. I don’t want to play San Beda, Lyceum or even Letran na twice-to-beat sila,” Tiu said. “Sayang kasi we’re one of the top two teams the whole season tapos kung dito pa kami bibigay sa dulo, medyo masakit iyon.
“We still have to get better. Our goal is to play our best every game and help these guys develop to be better,” he added.
The Blazers try to notch a second straight win and gain a share of the lead when they tangle with Lyceum today in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The match is set at 3 p.m. after also-ran teams Perpetual Help and San Sebastian clash in the curtain-raiser at noon.
CSB held off the Golden Stags 83-78 three days ago to clinch a Final Four berth for the first time since 2002.
While elated that his wards realized one of their goals in the season, Tiu insisted they are far from done.
“We just wanted give it to the school and it’s about time the school makes it to the Final Four,” he said. “I’m happy but I still hope we can go farther in the Final Four.”
The likes of Will Gozum, Migs Oczon, Robi Nayve, Miggy Corteza, JC Cullar, and Jimboy Pasturan will be counted upon by the Taft-based five in its bid to hike its 11-4 mark and tie reigning two-time champion Letran.
“Honestly speaking, kakailanganin ko sila when it comes to playoffs and these remaining games namin mas matitindi iyong kalaban namin and hindi naman puwedeng si Renzo (Navarro, veteran playmaker) ang maglalaro ng 40 minutes,” Pirates tactician Gilbert Malabanan said after his squad blasted Jose Rizal University 79-62 last Wednesday.
“I want quality minutes from the other players na mabibigyan ko ng opportunity na maglaro and the good thing is they respond well.”
Holding a 12-5 card for third, Lyceum will draw strength from Enoch Valdez, Renzo Navarro, John Barba, and JM Bravo.
The Blazers overwhelmed the Pirates 86-69 when they first met last Sept. 11.
With a 6-9 record, San Sebastian will rely on Ichie Altamirano, Kenneth Villapando, Alex Desoyo, and Romel Calahat.
The Altas, coming off an 81-86 setback to Arellano University three days ago that dropped them to 7-10, will pin their hopes on Carlo Ferreras, Joey Barcuma, Shawn Orgo, and Mark Omega.
