ANTIPOLO — Miggy Corteza could barely stand on his own after Game Three of the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Finals at the Ynares Center here.
The 6-foot-3 utility forward figured in a tough fall late in the contest. Despite the game being already out of reach, Corteza soldiered on, waving off the medical personnel as he wanted to finish the game.
He wanted to fight until the very end.
“Tip my hat off to Letran, they really played a good game. Nagpakita ‘yung championship calibre team nila. So ganon talaga. I mean, we fought till the end, but I think Letran wanted it more than us, so it’s really heartbreaking,” admitted the 24-year-old native of Silay City.
“But at the same time it was nothing to be ashamed of, probably, kasi siyempre we gave our best,” he continued.
“I told my teammates that I’m going to fight until I can’t stand anymore, so malas lang siguro that I landed badly on my back.”
Corteza did it all for the Blazers during the three-game series — from the yeoman’s work to even being the front act.
The former De La Salle Green Archer averaged 17.67 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in the series.
Still, Benilde fell short.
But for Corteza, the future is as bright as ever for the long-struggling Benilde program.
“Pero, I’m still positive with this one, even though we lost. I think this is a learning experience, and nobody to go but up from here.”
From being a bench warmer in La Salle, Corteza has definitely found a home in Benilde. And it’s because of Charles Tiu and his staff that helped him gain his confidence.
That is why the only way he can pay back their trust is by delivering in his final year next season.
“I mean for me, the biggest lesson would be like be grateful for every game. I mean, I didn’t expect to be playing at this level. Very grateful for my coaching staff, especially for coach Charles [Tiu],” he gushed.
“I’m blessed to be in this team, I wouldn’t be here anywhere besides here. And, I’m very happy na I’m a CSB Blazer.”
