Blazers survive Altas despite silly endgame

San Sebastian’s Rafael Arce (standing) forces Jonathan Medina to lose his footing. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

College of St. Benilde head coach Charles Tiu did not hide his frustration on the Blazers’ performance even after escaping a late game rally by Perpetual Help in Season 99 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

“Puro kami pa-cute (we only wanted to look cute), basically. We started coming up with some silly turnovers, not being smart, doing completely the opposite of what we (coaches) asked,” Tiu told reporters after the Blazers survived the Altas, 86-80, on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

“I guess that’s probably my responsibility,” Tiu added after Benilde climbed to a level 3-3 record to stay in the middle of the 10-team pack. “We’re happy we got to escape, because if it was a bit longer, we probably would’ve lost the game.”

The Blazers, who gave up 37 free throws, led by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter courtesy of a Migs Oczon fadeaway and a triple, 75-55.

“We were up by 20 and the guys got careless. They did stupid things, pwede ba sulatin yun? (Can you write that?)” Tiu said in disgust. “We’re not gonna go anywhere if we play that way. I am amazed we found a way to win.”

Benilde captain Robi Nayve led the Blazers with 20 points that went with five rebounds and four assists. Migs Oczon contributed 19 points and Ray Carlos 13.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian put a halt to a two-game losing skid, bucking a strong start by Jose Rizal for a 72-59 upset.

Jessie Sumoda led the Golden Stags to just their third win in five games, with coach John Kallos heaping praises on his prized ward.

“Our opponents have been scouting him because he is one of our veterans. But [today] it seemed like he went on a different dimension,” Kallos said of Sumoda, who still finished with 15 points despite heavy defensive pressure all game. “He did not force anything. He became vocal to his teammates today. That’s why everyone responded.” INQ