Despite notching their third straight win to improve to a 4-3 win-loss card in NCAA Season 99, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu said there is still a lot left to be desired from his squad.
Speaking after a grinded out 72-66 victory over Arellano University, Tiu zeroed in on the Blazers’ woes on both ends of the court, in particular the huge run they gave up in the second canto.
“We’re still thankful to get the win. I wasn’t too happy with how we played in the first half, it was an embarrassing 20-point run that we gave up. It’s nice to win though despite not having Will [Gozum] and [Miggy] Corteza today because both struggled, but we found a way to win,” said Tiu.
Gozum and Corteza only combined for three points the whole game. However, it was in the other aspects of their respective games which Tiu pointed out.
“I am a bit concerned they didn’t rebound well and that is something that they can fix on their own. So no excuses for that.”
The two Benilde big men only grabbed three rebounds altogether.
Still, Tiu trusts his key men to shore up their struggles and continue to spearhead Benilde’s title aspirations this season.
"I am sure they know what’s lacking and we showed them in the film room what they have to work on," Tiu said. "I trust them a lot and I know they’re going to figure it out soon enough. This is because if we want to go anywhere this season we need them for sure, they’re my two best big men by far.”
Tiu said this may also serve as a wake-up call to the two Blazers.
“Also in a way, it is a good wake up call for them because players like that have PBA and pro league aspirations, they know you’re the main man on the team, and of course teams will prepare to defend you and find ways to make you earn it on the court," Tiu added.
Stepping up in the win versus the Chiefs was veteran guard Prince Carlos, who churned out 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and one steal.
Tiu praised the former Junior Archer for becoming the calming presence amid a hotly contested affair.
“We have been challenging Prince because it’s his last year so I am sure he wants to have a bigger role, and he does have a bigger role. Basically, if he doesn’t get tired I’d play him if I had to. But, I like how he picked his spots and he didn’t force anything," said Tiu. "Prince has been playing well these last few games and that’s why we’ve been playing so much better."
Tiu and the rest of the Blazers attempt to continue their resurgence this season as they come up against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Friday, October 20.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
