Coach Charles Tiu and the College of St. Benilde Blazers during a game against the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball Final Four.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu isn’t lacking any confidence in his team as the Blazers returned to the Finals after eliminating San Beda in the NCAA Season 100 Final Four.
The Blazers dealt the Red Lions a 79-63 beatdown on Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome for their second finals appearance in three years.
While there have been some glaring similarities between his Season 98 and Season 100 squad, Tiu believes there are big differences that boost his confidence even more.
READ: NCAA: Benilde routs San Beda, returns to finals vs Mapua
Second #NCAAFinals in three seasons for coach Charles Tiu and CSB Blazers. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/mH3Se43h1n
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) November 23, 2024
“I think we have a tougher team. We got guys who are a a little bit more physically gifted in this team.
“It’s a completely new team, I think I only have five guys from the previous team but we worked hard in the offseason to prepare and give guys opportunities to have this moment and we delivered. I think we’re deeper than that Finals team we had so hopefully, it shows in that Finals series.”
Just like Tiu’s Season 98 squad, the current Blazers have a solid force in the middle in Allen Liwag, who’s tipped to become Benilde’s latest NCAA MVP after former star center Will Gozum in 2022.
Liwag showed why he’s the anchor for Benilde, putting up 20 points and eight rebounds against San Beda.
Much like Gozum in the past, Liwag’s also surrounded by shooters in Tony Ynot and Jhomel Ancheta, who added 17 and 11 points, respectively against the Red Lions.
Unlike the Season 98 squad that lost to a three-peat-seeking Letran in the championship round, Benilde this time, clashes with Mapua in the finals.
READ: NCAA: Mapua back in finals behind Clint Escamis’ career game
Still, that doesn’t mean Tiu and company are taking things lightly against the Cardinals, who are the top seed for a reason.
“Mapua’s a very physical team, they got dogs, they got an MVP in Clint Escamis, they got a lot of go-to guys who can really score so we need to be tough physically and mentally.”
“Obviously, this is still a new team but hopefully since we’re tougher, I hope we don’t have any more Finals jitters.”
Game 1 of the best-of-three title series between Benilde and Mapua begins December 1 at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.