Charles Tiu hopes CSB Blazers maintain late-game composure

Photo: GMA Sports

The College of St. Benilde Blazers pulled off an impressive overtime victory against the San Beda Red Lions. wrapping it up at 70-65.

Following their victory over a team CSB would likely have to defeat again if they are to accomplish their championship aspirations, Coach Charles Tiu says that he hopes this performance stays with them until the later games in the season.

“That’s tough. (The) first two games, yes, but I think we’ll find out later in the season,” he responded when queried on whether or not this season’s Blazers have more late-game composure compared to the Season 99 squad from last year. 

“What I like about this team is that we can defend. We’re defending pretty well. I think that’s the key right now, so it remains to be seen. It’s still early in the season, but the team last year made it to the playoffs and finals a year prior, but we choked when it mattered. So, we’ll find out. I’ll leave that with a question mark I guess for now, but I hope so, I certainly hope so, because we didn’t win last year, so I hope this team has more composure.”

Jhomel Ancheta, their impressive 21-year-old rookie from San Mateo, was awarded player of the game after registering 14 points and 5 assists. His basket late in the fourth quarter nearly sealed the victory before San Beda forced overtime, and his solid all-around play set the tone for the ultimate victors in the early moments of overtime.

“Siguro po yung tuloy tuloy lang na trabaho, yung pag sho-shooting po. Lagi ko lang po iniisip na ready lang ako incase na bunutin po ako ni Coach Charles,” he said about overcoming early-season jitters.

According to NCAA MVP candidate Allen Liwag, who finished with 12 points on 6-of-11 shooting, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks, limiting the Red Lions’ activity on the offensive glass played dividends later in the contest.

“Siguro nag tiwala lang kami sa isa’t isa, lalo na kay coach,” he said. “Sinabi lang samin ni coach na stop namin sila every possession and yung offensive rebound sobrang laking bagay sa kanila nung first half, so yun yung kailangan namin limitahan para sa kanila.”

The Blazers are off to a 2-0 start after defeating title contenders Mapua and San Beda to start the season.