By: Bjorn Del Deade
College of Saint Benilde had to withstand tough back-to-back matchups against Mapua and San Beda, with each game going down to the wire.
However, for head coach Charles Tiu, facing these contenders was a crucible the Blazers needed as the Final Four nears, with Benilde still tied for the No. 1 spot with Mapua.
“We could say that we needed that Mapua game to learn from it. We need games like that,” Tiu said.
“Ibang experience pa rin yung NCAA pag may pressure ka. It’s something they have to get used to. It’s good that they’re going through a lot of battles in this round.”
Like Mapua, San Beda also gave Benilde a hard time, providing a “playoff” atmosphere in both their Round 1 and 2 encounters.
“That’s a high-level playoff-type game. You know, whenever we play San Beda, ganon yung mga laro na ine-expect namin. We had to be on our A-game, and the guys made some big plays,” Tiu said after Benilde’s 70-62 victory over the Red Lions.
“It’s a big win for us. Obviously, any time you play San Beda, they’re one of the best teams. They have a really deep lineup. It’s always a tough game. We don’t see it as sweeping them. We just take it one game at a time.”
Tiu was impressed with how the Blazers did not crumble against San Beda, which surged early in the payoff period. Instead, they responded with a decisive 7-0 run, capped off by Jhomel Ancheta’s dagger three at the 44.4-second mark.
Despite Benilde’s display of resilience, Ancheta believes his team still needs to improve its in-game problem-solving skills when facing adversity.
“Yung problem solving lang. Kapag may mga bagong ginagawa sa amin, kailangan namin ma-improve na agad-agad kaming makapag-adjust para hindi kami nasasaktan sa mga binabato ng kalaban,” Ancheta said. “Magandang preparation paakyat sa playoffs.”
Up next for Benilde are the LPU Pirates, who are also in the top four. Tiu said he is bracing for another tough match as he looks to end the eliminations on a winning note.
“It’s tough. They’re a playoff team. They’ve also been in the Final Four in the past two years. Now, they’re at full force, but we have to work. Ganon talaga. That’s part of basketball,” he said.
“It’s a good challenge heading into the playoffs. Win or lose, we’re going to be ready for the playoffs, so we just have to prepare for them because they’re also playing at a high level.”
