Games Today(Filoil EcoOil Centre)12 p.m. — UPHSD vs CSB3 p.m. — LPU vs EAC
COLLEGE of St. Benilde (CSB) head coach Charles Tiu makes his return from a one-game absence due to health concerns with hopes of sustaining their strong start against a dangerous University of Perpetual Help (UPHSD) today in the NCAA Season 98 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Mr. Tiu was under the weather and out when the Blazers outgunned the San Sebastian Stags, 100-94 Friday, he hopes they could keep the offense humming on his return.
“Yes, I’m coaching tomorrow (today),” Mr. Tiu yesterday told The STAR.
A win by CSB (2-0) in its 12 p.m. showdown with UPHSD (1-1) would keep the former’s stranglehold of the solo lead.
It would also push the Blazers closer to their first Final Four appearance since making it that far and eventually finishing second behind the Stags exactly two decades back.
Drawing strength from the troika of Miguel Oczon, Will Gozum and Miguel Corteza, who combined for 66 points, CSB went on to come through its best scoring game in Mr. Tiu’s two years as mentor.
But while their offense was impressive, the Blazers’ defense was not.
Comfortably ahead by 26 points, CSB played complacent and relax, allowing SSC to eat away at the former’s once mammoth advantage.
Good thing that time was just on CSB’s side.
The Altas, for their part, are out to bounce back from a heartbreaking 61-59 defeat to the Arellano U Chiefs also last Friday.
Lyceum of the Philippines U, meanwhile, aims to ride the momentum of its giant-sized 89-81 triumph over San Beda Saturday as it battles Emilio Aguinaldo College at 3 p.m.
The Pirates fought back from 15 points down late in the first half to improve to 2-1.
The Generals are winless in three starts. — Joey Villar