NCAA: CSB hopes key guys Oczon, Corteza reach their peak come Final Four | Inquirer Sports

NCAA: CSB hopes key guys Oczon, Corteza reach their peak come Final Four

/ 10:24 PM November 18, 2022

St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA Season 98.

St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA Season 98.
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu always challenges Will Gozum to step up for his team but with the Final Four season looming, there are two players he wants to contribute bigger.

Oczon and Corteza, the two “Migs” of the Blazers, were huge factors in the squad’s 100-88 win against Lyceum on Friday but Tiu wants them to reach their peaks before the postseason. 

Article continues after this advertisement

“He’s (Corteza) a big boost for us but I keep telling him to get more rebounds if he wants to win any awards because rebounds matter. His improvement though, from last season has been great,” said the head tactician.

FEATURED STORIES

The wingman finished with 13 points but with four turnovers and only three rebounds.

Oczon, on the other hand, was tied with Gozum and Enoch Valdez for the highest score in the Blazers’ win with 18 points but on a lowly 33.3 percent shooting from the field, sinking only one shot from six attempts in the three-point area.

Article continues after this advertisement

That, however, is not much of a concern for Tiu as he wants the guard to be more efficient even on defense.

Article continues after this advertisement
Blazers' guard Migs Oczon.

Blazers’ guard Migs Oczon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

“The challenge for Oczon is to be a complete player on both ends of the floor. That’s the growth we look forward to for him, not just shooting because when I recruited him I already knew he could shoot,” he explained.

Article continues after this advertisement

MVP frontrunner Gozum powered Benilde with another double-double with 18 markers and 11 boards.

With two games left in the elimination round, the top coach ultimately wants to see everybody stepping up in the big moments and not shy away from the spotlight.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Hopefully, these guys will not be afraid of the big moments when it comes to the playoffs.”

The Blazers will play Arellano and San Beda before their Final Four stint. They currently hold a 12-4 record, tied with defending champion Letran, which has the same record.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: NCAA Season 98, St. Benilde Blazers

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.