NCAA: ‘Collaborative effort’ helps St. Benilde stay unbeaten despite coach’s absence

St. Benilde coaching staff during their game vs San Sebastian in NCAA Season 98. –NCAA/GMA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Despite missing head coach Charles Tiu on the bench, College of St. Benilde continues to credit him in its most recent win against San Sebastian.

Tiu missed the game because he was feeling “under the weather” for the past three days.

Blazers assistant coach Paolo Layug said the win was mostly due Tiu’s trust with the coaching staff as a whole.

“I think it’s a credit to coach Charles and coach TY (Tang) when he first came in. They empower us assistant coaches and coach Charles has full trust in our entire coaching staff,” he said after edging the Golden Stags, 100-94. 

“It’s really a collaborative effort,” he added.

The Blazers recorded 19 assists as a team.

Layug also commended his starters, who scored 81 points, but said it should not be focused on since St. Benilde does not have a permanent starting five.

“I wouldn’t look too much in the starting lineup because we change it every time.”

The Golden Stags’ bench outscored Benilde’s in a big way, 62-19.

After going up to 2-0 in the standings, Layug reiterated that the win should be credited to all players in the lineup.

“We have complete trust in all 18 players in our lineup. Anyone can be put in and anyone can contribute,”  the assistant tactician said.