Blazers make it known: They want Pirates

Letran and St. Benilde’s star big men jostle for position. –NCAA PHOTO

Shortly after rising to a tie for the elimination round lead in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, College of St. Benilde, after scoring an 83-73 victory over Arellano on Sunday, has its eyes fixed on one particular foe to make sure that it has the best chance in the Final Four.

Actually, make that two foes.

Blazers coach Charles Tiu said that they will throw everything they have at San Beda on Tuesday to automatically win a twice-to-beat advantage before they take on an enemy they like in Lyceum in the semifinals.

The Blazers clinched at least a playoff for No. 2 seed with that win over the Chiefs, and a victory over the Red Lions would take the complications of a playoff out of the picture and ensure that they will face the Pirates, whom they beat twice in the eliminations.

As things stand, with a 13-4 record, the Blazers are tied with defending champion Letran for No. 1, but would lose out in the tiebreak at the end of the eliminations by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule.

The Knights close out against ousted Jose Rizal and are highly favored.

“If we play Lyceum [in the Final Four], that means we beat San Beda [at the end of the eliminations]. That’s our goal,” Tiu explained after getting 17 points from Robi Nayve and 15 from Miguel Cortez at San Juan Arena.

“Actually, we’re looking forward to face Lyceum. Since we think we would have higher chances if we face them, but if ever, our team is capable of something,” Nayve said.