Charles Tiu experienced an eventful 12 hours.
On Friday evening, he was at Dasmarinas Arena in Cavite, where College of Saint Benilde’s Team B squad faced the home team, the Monarchs, in the 2023 Corsa Tires Asiabasket Dasmariñas Championship.
Less than 12 hours after the game, Tiu found himself at the Filoil Ecooil Centre, coaching the Blazers as they took on the Arellano Chiefs in the NCAA.
Fortunately, both CSB teams secured victories, with the Team B squad eking out a 75-68 win over Dasmarinas, while the Blazers achieved a 74-56 triumph over the Chiefs.
Tiu was spotted coaching and supporting his Team B squad — a team coached by Rajko Toroman.
Although CSB’s Team B squad is managed by his coaching staff, Tiu still watched the game as the team featured members of their NCAA Season 100 squad, including Tony Ynot, Allen Liwag, Anton Eusebio, Jommel Ancheta, Justine Sanchez, and Gab Cometa.
They also enlisted the services of former FEU foreign student-athlete Emman Ojuola to serve as their import for the tournament.
The existence of a formidable Team B team would not have been possible without the support of Strong Group Athletics, led by Frank and Jacob Lao.
“I want to say, of course, I want to watch Team B, which was mostly recruited and formed by Boss Frank Lao. I am thankful for the support he has given us and for the excellent recruitment job he and Manager Jacob Lao have done,” expressed Tiu.
“I’m very appreciative of Boss Jacob’s insights, as he provides valuable input, even during our games.”
Having a pipeline is something that CSB has not had in recent years. Furthermore, playing in highly competitive tournaments for the second team is a rare opportunity.
That is why Tiu is not wasting the opportunity provided to them.
“Having both the Blazers and Team B competing in high-level tournaments is incredibly fulfilling. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our team booster, Frank Lao.”
CSB’s Team B will next face Shawarma Shack on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Blazers are bracing for a rivalry game against the JRU Heavy Bombers on Tuesday.