De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu has always put emphasis on the importance of veterans Miggy Corteza and Will Gozum in their squad.
In the past games, however, the two struggled to put up the same numbers they had churned out in the previous season where they towed the Blazers back to the finals after 20 years.
On Wednesday, the two finally took charge as Benilde stopped the streaking and league-leading Mapua University as they eked out a hard-fought 65-61 victory.
Corteza was aware of this constant challenge from Tiu for him to step up, stressing the win against the Cardinals would be a huge boost to his confidence moving forward.
"I’m very happy that our team won and for me, individually, I’m just relieved that I have that confidence back in me [because] I’ve been struggling lately," Corteza said.
"I’m just happy that [I can] contribute whether it’s rebounding, playing defense, or scoring."
The graduating Corteza put together 17 points on top of nine rebounds while Gozum, although fouled out late in the game, chipped in 11 markers, three boards, and three assists as the Blazers secured back-to-back wins.
However, these are still far from what both players had in Season 98.
Back then, Gozum averaged 16.73 points, 9.41 rebounds, and 1.68 assists while Corteza posted 13.68 markers, 5.27 boards, and 0.86 dimes as they finished as runners-up to Letran.
While Tiu is happy with this improvement, he stressed they still have a lot to work on.
"To be honest I don’t think it’s the best we played yet, but it is our best result because we beat the number one team," Tiu said.
"It’s been a grind-out game. The guys showed some character and I’m happy that the other guys stepped up and have their composure, I didn’t even have to call a timeout until the last play. They did it in their own."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
