College of Saint Benilde has not started Season 99 of the NCAA Seniors Basketball Tournament the way it had hoped.
After splitting their first two games against Lyceum of the Philippines University and Jose Rizal University, Benilde lost back-to-back matchups against San Beda University and Mapua University, putting them at 1-3.
For Coach Charles Tiu, part of the issue for his squad is the heavy expectations they have set for themselves after coming so close to a championship in Season 98.
“We’re trying to pick things up and remind the guys that they’re probably pressuring themselves to try and win a championship. I said, just try to forget about the championship right now and focus on one game at a time and just enjoy,” said Tiu.
Tiu felt that Miguel Oczon, in particular, was in his own head the most. Benilde’s fiery scorer had not been in his best form in the first four games, and Tiu believes his difficulties came from Oczon’s personal struggles with his role.
“I also feel like he’s been pressing a bit; trying to find balance on if I want to be the back-up point guard or do I want to score? I told him to go out and play basketball because he’s too good of a player,” Tiu explained.
Right on cue, Benilde returned to its winning ways with an 87-72 blowout against San Sebastian College-Recoletos, with Oczon leading the pack and scoring a career-high 29 points on seven triples.
“I just felt relaxed. I just went with the flow of the game, and I am grateful that my shots were falling. My teammates and coaches’ trust were there, and I just tried to repay them by making those shots,” shared Oczon about his performance.
Oczon then thanked Tiu for helping the combo-guard clear his head and focus on the game.
“Just grateful for the trust he has given me.
“Coach Charles just told me to just play basketball and don’t worry about if I should play point guard or shooting guard. He just told me I had to make the right play and I just kept that in mind,” said Oczon.
