Determined to bounce back, rookie Gutang shows worth for Blazers

Justin Gutang made up for his last game’s poor showing and delivered 17 points and 10 assists to power St. Benilde to its first win in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Friday.

The rookie only had eight markers on a 2-for-7 shooting in the Blazers’ loss against Perpetual last July 13.

“I just kept on grinding in practice and I always listen to coach because he kind of criticized me last game so I really needed to prove myself in this game,” Gutang said after their 90-79 victory over Mapua at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Blazers head coach TY Tang said Gutang is still adjusting to the play style here in the Philippines, which is a totally different playing field compared to California.

READ: NCAA: Hotshooting St. Benilde recovers, drubs Mapua

“He’s been talking about how it’s not the way he has been playing in the states in terms of the physicality, in terms of the defense and in terms of how the team concepts are played,” Tang said.

He also commended Gutang for his competitive attitude and how he would always find ways to win.

“Justin’s game is Justin’s game. There’s nothing more than I can hide with him,” he said.

While Tang recognized Gutang as a competitor, the rookie said that he will always have room for improvement. Ma. Angelica D. Garcia