Will Gozum showed out for College of St. Benilde on Wednesday against Mapua University.
Gozum put up star numbers, scoring 25 points, eight rebounds, and four assists on an efficient 53.3-percent shooting from the field.
It was a good bounce-back game after only scoring two markers in the second half which resulted in a loss against the last team in the league, Emilio Aguinaldo College last Sunday.
“Nag bounce back kami from our last game na na-upset win kami. Yung pressure nga andon, kasi nga lama naman natin last season na natalo din kami sa team na nasa low standing,” said the league’s third best scorer.
“So ayun, ginawa namin siyang motivation para this game na ayaw namin maulit yung last year na pagka upset samin tumuloy-tuloy na, so bumabawi kami talaga.“
Indeed, it was a good victory against the Cardinals who were looking to extend their win streak to three.
Gozum admitted that he took this game as a challenge after disappearing in the second half versus the Generals only scoring two markers.
Kung ano sinasabi nila coach Charles na pag second half nawawala ako. Siguro tinake ko yun as a challenge for me, and talagang bumabawi ako. Everytime na nasasub ako, bumabalik ako sa simula na parang focus lang lagi. Pag balik trabaho ulit,” said Gozum.
The 23-year-old stepped up to the challenge on this one as was seen everywhere in the second half scoring 10 markers, six boards, and two dimes.
It was no secret that after their last game, CSB head coach Charles Tiu was disappointed with the team’s effort which resulted in a punishment right away after the game.
Despite that, Gozum had nothing but praise for the youthful coach of the Blazers while also sharing his experience of what it’s like seeing Tiu’s other side.
“Si Coach Charles talaga sobrang bait niya as in, kahit sa training,” Gozum shared. “Pero last time pinahirapan niya kami, pero nasamin naman kasi yon kasi panget nga performance namin.
“Ayun yung way niya para mas mabuo kami sa team.”
After the first round, Gozum is averaging 15.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.25 blocks per contest while all part of the league leaders in the said category.
When asked if he is looking to bag the Most Valuable Player award, he had this to say.
“MVP long season pa eh, marami pa kaming dapat talunin. Siguro di kami magkukumpiyansa na nasa top kami. And every game na makakaharap namin ay pagiigihan namin and mas rereviewhin namin plays nila.”
