Blazers with bounce-back chance against Bombers
After learning their lessons from two straight defeats, the College of St. Benilde Blazers return to the floor on Friday against Jose Rizal, hoping to pick up the pieces and continue stalking the leaders in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Still licking the wounds of beatings dealt by last season’s finalists San Beda and Lyceum, the Blazers clash with the Heavy Bombers in the 2 p.m. contest seeking to win for the sixth time in eight games and hopefully start another streak.
In contrast to the Blazers’ two-game slide, San Sebastian will be aiming to extend a two-game winning streak againstskidding Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 4 p.m. game.
“We have to move forward and do better in our succeeding games. But we will also keep in mind our shortcomings and make the necessary adjustments just in case we meet those teams again,” said Benilde head coach Ty Tang.
Losing to the Pirates by three points halted Benilde’s five-game streak, which was followed by San Beda’s demolition job of 31 points.
Senegalese center Clement Leutcheu will again anchor the Blazers in the middle with help coming from Justin Gutang and Kendrix Belgica.
While the Blazers have the upper hand in controlling the boards, the Heavy Bombers have a platoon of speedy and dexterous guards with the potential to break the internal defense of any team.
Guards Ry dela Rosa and John delos Santos have been consistent in helping the Bombers out of the cellar with their 3-5 record along with the veteran MJ dela Virgen.
The JRU front court will be manned by Stefan Steinl, Andrei Dulalia and Jarvy Ramos.
Allyn Bulanadi was all over the floor in the Stags’ 27-point thrashing of Perpetual Help before the league canceled two consecutive playdates due to inclement weather.
The Generals lost seven of their first eight games.
