COLLEGE of St. Benilde puts the solo lead on the line today against a Letran squad determined to boost its bid for a Final Four berth in the 100th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Blazers go into the 2:30 p.m. match out to fuel their drive for a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four, with coach Charles Tiu saying they can’t afford to take their feet off the pedal.
“We can’t relax. Our goal right now is to finish in the Top 2 to get that twice-to-beat advantage; we have to finish strong. It’s tough here in the NCAA. The job’s not done. It’s a nice accomplishment, it’s a testament to the program and the culture that we’re trying to build,” said Tiu of his team’s six-game winning streak, counting their 61-57 win over Perpetual last Oct. 30, for a league-leading 12-2 mark.
“Sana this year, we could go a bit further. One step at a time. Go back to the finals,” he added.
They are up against a Knights squad reeling from two straight setbacks, including a 58-68 decision to Emilio Aguinaldo College nine days back.
Letran has a 7-8 mark in a tie with EAC and Lyceum and a victory today will give them the inside track for the fourth Final Four berth.
Tiu said his charges, led by Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez and Tony Ynot, should display their A-game.
“[We’re] expecting a very tough game. They’re (Knights) fighting for their Final Four lives. I think they still have a chance. They’ve also been hit by the injury bug. They haven’t had a complete team in a while. They’ve beaten us [the] first time (we met). Even in the pre-season they beat us. We have to prepare well for them and play better. Raise our game,” he said.
The Knights are counting on Jimboy Estrada, Deo Cuajao and Kevin Santos to deliver.
Clashing in the other game at noon are the Pirates and the JRU Heavy Bombers, who appear to be out of it with a measly 4-11 card.
Last Tuesday, the Pirates scored a 93-85 triumph over the San Sebastian Golden Stags while the Heavy Bombers were frustrated by the Arellano Chiefs 81-77.
The Pirates will lean on Renz Villegas, John Barba and Simon Penafiel against the JRU crew led by Joshua Guiab, Shawn Argente and Mart Barrera.
