COLLEGE of St. Benilde’s unbeaten run should make Blazers coach Charles Tiu giddy about their chances, right?
Far from it.
“I wouldn’t say yet (we’re a Final Four contender), it’s only been three games and we have a long way to go,” Tiu said after his charges blasted Perpetual Help 81-64 three days ago.
“We haven’t played Letran, Mapua, and San Beda, the three teams that I said consistently would be in the Final Four.
“So, it’s still a long way to go for us, but at least we’re playing better,” he added.
CSB’s resolve will be tested anew when it battles reigning two-time champion Letran today in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The match is set at noon, with the Blazers seeking to notch their fourth straight win at the expense of the Knights, who are aching to redeem themselves from a stunning 69-72 loss to Arellano University last Sunday that ended their 14-game winning streak dating back to Game 3 of the finals in 2019.
The Altas take on Mapua University in the other game at 3 p.m.
Tiu will count on the likes of Migs Oczon, Will Gozum, Robi Nayve, and JC Cullar.
“Mga two years, three years ata silang hindi natalo. I don’t know. I hope we can give them (Knights) a losing streak,” Tiu said. “They are tough, they always play physical and they’re the defending champions for a reason so it’s gonna be a hard game.”
Letran will rely on Fran Yu, Louie Sangalang, Kurt Reyson, Brent Paraiso, and King Caralipio to improve its 1-1 card.
Joey Barcuma, Kimm Aurin, and Jielo Razon will lead the way for the Altas.
With a 1-2 slate and having lost two in a row counting a 56-57 defeat to San Sebastian College five days ago, the Cardinals will bank on Rence Nocum, Arvin Gamboa, Warren Bonifacio, and Paolo Hernandez.
