COLLEGE of St. Benilde is still licking the wounds from its heartbreaking loss to Perpetual Help in their play-in duel for a Final Four slot in the last cage wars, according to Blazers coach Charles Tiu.
“Tough game for us. They beat us last season and denied us from reaching our Final Four goal so hopefully the guys still have that in the back of their heads and will play extra hard,” Tiu said.
“They (Altas) are a good team with great players in Kim Aurin and Jielo Razon so it will be a tough one,” he added.
That should serve as enough motivation when the Blazers try to keep their unbeaten run at the expense of the Altas today in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The match is set at noon before Lyceum collides with Emilio Aguinaldo College at 3 p.m.
CSB notched its second win in as many games via a 100-94 triumph over San Sebastian College four days ago.
The likes of Migs Oczon, Will Gozum, Robi Nayve, and JC Cullar are expected to show the way for the Blazers.
Perpetual is bidding to atone for a sorry 59-61 setback at the hands of Arellano University last Friday.
Carrying a 1-1 mark, the Altas will bank on Joey Barcuma, Jielo Razon, Kim Aurin, and Mark Omega.
Tied with the Stags at third with a 2-1 card, the Pirates have pulled off two stunning victories over contenders in Mapua 76-67 last Wednesday before following it up with an 89-81 decision over San Beda University three days ago.
“Actually, hindi namin iniisip about the upsets, about sa dalawang Final Four (teams we beat) kasi ito iyong kontrolado namin, iyong inilalaro namin. Dito kami nagfo-focus, how we play offensively and defensively,” Lyceum tactician Gilbert Malabanan said.
“So lahat naman iyan, lahat ng makakalaban namin, we treat them as a contender. Kumbaga parang sa amin, ito iyong kontrolado namin sa practice. The good thing talaga is lumalabas doon sa game namin.”
