De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu aired his frustration on his wards as the Blazers fell to Emilio Aguinaldo College, 77-69, on Wednesday in NCAA Season 99.
While Benilde eventually booked a Final Four slot after Mapua University's win against Jose Rizal University, 77-74, a win for the Taft-based squad would have given them outright the semis ticket.
"To be honest I'm still scratching my head wondering how we disappeared in the second half," Tiu said.
Benilde was leading 33-28 at the end of the first half before the Generals went on a rampage in the second half and eventually took the win.
"All of a sudden, it's like we stopped playing defense, we stopped caring and I think our guys probably just didn't want to win this game and I'm left scratching my head as to why because they know how important this game is and we needed to make an outright Final Four berth," he said.
Asked about what he told the players after the loss, Tiu said, "I didn't really say too much but I just question if we have any winners in our team because right now, our team looks like a bunch of losers with no character."
"Nobody [is] playing together, effort's not there, everybody [is] getting mad at one another, nobody wants to do the little things. They're still probably hung up from making the finals last year but that's long gone," Tiu added.
"We don't even look like a playoff team to be honest right now."
Tiu also revealed what happened post-match where his players Will Gozum and Joshua Cajucom had a tense moment.
"Will was getting mad at Josh because he didn't pass the ball but probably it's just the frustrations boiling over," the Benilde coach said.
"I told Will if you want to get mad at your teammates, you better start playing. He only wanted to play in the fourth quarter, but when I needed him in the first three quarters he was gone. You can't keep blaming other people when you have to look at yourself and see what you have to do better."
After Mapua won, Tiu posted on X (formerly Twitter) a message of gratitude to the Cardinals.
"Viva Mapua! Thank you Clint Escamis MVP (even if you missed those free throws) ! See you in the Final 4," Tiu wrote.
Viva Mapua! Thank you Clint Escamis MVP (even if you missed those free throws) ! See you in the final 4!
— Charles Tiu (@charlestiu) November 22, 2023
For the record, I hate that we had to get in the F4 this way, but we will take it. For a program like ours that has been in the playoffs once in 20 years, can’t complain. TYG
"For the record, I hate that we had to get in the F4 this way, but we will take it. For a program like ours that has been in the playoffs once in 20 years, can’t complain."
Regardless of the results of the San Beda-Letran game on Friday, Benilde will face Mapua in the Final Four.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
